










































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Gass ' ; • *, . 

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COPBRIGHT DEPOSIT. 


















A MANUAL 


OF 

TOXICOLOGY 

A CONCISE PRESENTATION OF THE PRINCIPAL 
FACTS RELATING TO POISONS, WITH DE¬ 
TAILED AND DESCRIPTIVE DIRECTIONS 
FOR THE TREA TMENT OF POISONING 
A TABLE OF DOSES OF THE 
PRINCIPAL AND MANY NEW 
REMEDIES AND VARIOUS 
STATISTICAL TABLES 


By 

ALBERT H. BRUNDAGE, A. M. f M. D., Phar. D. f M. S. 

Consulting Toxicologist to the Bushwick Hospital. Medical Inspector and 
Lecturer, Department of Health of the City of New York. Major, 

Medical Staff, Police Reserve, City of New York. Assistant in Immuno¬ 
therapy, Polhemus Clinic, Long Island College Hospital. Visiting Physician, 
Jamaica Day Nursery. Examining Surgeon and Secretary, Board of 
Examining Surgeons (Queens County, New York), U. S. Bureau 
cf Pensions. Formerly: Professor of Toxicology and Physiology in 
the Departments of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy of Mar¬ 
quette University; President of the Board of Pharmacy of 
the State of New York, and Examiner in Toxicology in 
same; Etc. Honorary Member of the Brooklyn 
Medical Society. Life Member of the New 
York State Pharmaceutical Association. 

Member of: The American Medical 
Association; the American Associa¬ 
tion for the Advancement of 
Science; Etc. 


FOURTEENTH EDITION 
ILLUSTRATED AND ENLARGED 


Price $3.00 net 

NEW YORK: 

THE HENRY HARRISON CO. 

70 Linden Street, Brooklyn, New York 

1923 






Copyright, 1901 


Copyright, 1923 

By The Henry Harrison Co. 


Registered at Stationers’ Hall, London, England 


BURR PRINTINC H0US1 
NEW YORK, TJ. S. A. 

J4fv | 9 2 4 







DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY 
OF 

MY MOTHER, 

SARAH MERVINA BRUNDAGE, 

WHOSE ATTAINMENTS AND NOBILITY OF CHAR¬ 
ACTER HAVE BEEN THE INSPIRATION 
AND BENEDICTION OF MY LIFE. 


PREFACE TO FOURTEENTH EDITION 


In this edition the author has endeavored to better 
provide for the increasing demand for comprehensive 
information concerning poisonous foods, common, 
habit-forming narcotic poisons, and certain vegetable 
and animal proteins which poison thru being inhaled. 

He has also incorporated much extended information 
concerning “mad-dog-bite.” Apparently, by so doing 
he could best cooperate with the very active efforts of 
the Department of Health of the City of New York, 
and of other organizations, in the saving of life, by the 
dissemination of information concerning rabic virus, 
rabic symptoms, and the proper protective and preven¬ 
tive measures as well as the alleviating treatment to be 
employed against the deadly effects of the rabic poison. 

Treatments of various poisonings have been revised. 
Certain data and measures, of service in the determina¬ 
tion or treatment of some poisonings, have also been 
introduced as new text or in the auxiliary matter. 

ALBERT H. BRUNDAGE. 


New York City, August 8,-1922. 


PREFACE TO TWELFTH EDITION 


It has been suggested that the reason for employing the red 
and white cover used for this book is not generally understood 
and would be of interest to some of those who use it: 

Some time before the publication of the first edition of this 
book, there were very many poisonings by virulent poisons; 
especially by morphine and its salts, through the latter being 
mistaken for quinin sulphate; or for other comparatively harm¬ 
less drugs, or through the careless and indiscriminate use of 
such poisons, for anodyne, soporific or other hazardous pur¬ 
poses, by the general public; there was also a notable increase 
in the prevalence of the morphine habit and associated habits. 
These matters were the subject of very active and wide¬ 
spread discussion. To remedy the laxity in laws relating to 
these matters, and thereby materially modify the existing 
menace to public health and to life, many States, including 
New York, passed laws, carefully restricting the sale of these 
poisons, and designated a special and very conspicuous poison 
label for them. In New York, the Penal Code was amended 
to require that all packages containing morphine or its salts, 
should be labeled with a scarlet colored label, with the name 
of the contents in white letters. As such labeling became gen¬ 
erally known, the label served as an instantaneous and im¬ 
pressive warning of deadly poison; truly a danger sign in 
medical, pharmaceutical and related matters, just as a red 
flag is recognized as a danger sign in matters relating to trans¬ 
portation, structural, and various other interests. 

The author thought that if the cover of this book was made 
to imitate the gross appearance of such label it would be in¬ 
stantly recognized by many as a danger sign, and emblematic 
of virulent poisons; therefore quite readily understood to 
indicate that the contents were a treatise on poisons. After 
careful consideration such cover was adopted. 

In this new edition, various text features have been revised, 
and many new and important facts have been introduced, in 
the effort to bring the book fully up to date. It is hoped that 
its usefulness will have been thereby proportionately enhanced. 


September 6, 1920 . 


ALBERT H. BRUNDAGE. 


PREFACE TO SEVENTH EDITION. 


In this seventh edition, the author has endeav¬ 
ored to make more or less material alterations and 
additions without appreciably increasing the bulk 
of the book. He has striven to keep in view the 
original plan of having it compact and strictly man¬ 
ual in size, but comprehensive in scope. 

As heretofore, elegance of diction and convention¬ 
ality of typographical and other forms have been 
made uncompromisingly subordinate to economy 
of space, directness in statement and the most ser¬ 
viceable emphasis. 

The author has hoped to produce a practical, 
truly serviceable manual, and if those into whose 
hands L comes, consider it to be possessed of these 
admirable qualities, his efforts will have been com- 
pensatingly fruitful. 

The hearty and very generous recognition ac¬ 
corded the book by college professors, experts, 
physicians, pharmacists and others, is most highly 
appreciated by the author. 

ALBERT H. BRUNDAGE. 
Brooklyn-New York, N. Y., June 1, 1909. 


CONTENTS 


PART I. PAGES 

General Considerations:— 

Definitions, Classifications, Descriptions, General 

Directions, Illustrations (with Colored Plate) 11-60 

PART II. 

Poisons and Acute Poisoning:— 

History, Symptoms and Treatment in Detail.... 61-229 

Principal Poisonous Plants, etc.230-244 

A Key to Constituents.245-248 

A Key to Treatment.249-252 

PART III. 

The Indications of Various Symptoms.253-260 

PART Ilia. 

The Special Senses— 

Determination of Their Condition for Recog¬ 
nition of the Toxic Effects of Certain 
Poisons .260c-260/ 

PART IV. 

Simulation of Poisoning by Disease.261-263 

Relation of Poisoning to Disease.264-268 

Action and Elimination of Poisons.269-272 

PART V. 

Table of Identification Tests for Poisons.273-294 

Crystals (Under the Microscope). 294 

Chart for Detection of Metals. 295 

Chart for Detection of Acidulous Radicals. 296 















CONTENTS. 


vm 


PART VI. PAGES 

Outline of Procedure in Searching for Poisons.297-310 

The Corpus Delicti. 3 10 


PART VII. 

The Signs of Death—Tests to Determine Death.311-312 

PART VIII. 

Sudden Death—Causes—Modes of Death.313-316 

PART IX. 

Pharmacological Toxicology.317-328 

The Fatal Dose and Causes of Death. 328 

Peculiar Food and Drug Effects. 329 

Substances Causing Skin Eruption or Itching. 330 

Substances Altering Color of Urine. 330 

Substances Producing Odorous Urine. 330 

Substances Altering Color of Feces. 330 

Suspicious Symptoms of Poisoning. 331 

PART X. 

Transfusion . 332 

Unconsciousness or Coma—Interpretation, Treatment, 

etc. 333-336 

Hints on Brain and Heart Poisons. 338 

PART Xa. 

Feeding in Poisoning. 338a 

PART XI. 

Guide to Post-Mortem Procedure (In Suspected Poi¬ 
soning) . 339-340 

Directions for Making Post Mortems. 341-343 

Weights and Measures of Viscera. 343 

Height, Weight, etc., Averages. 344 

Post-Mortem Appearances in Poisoning.345-363 


Post-Mortem Key to Poison; Poisons of Suicides .. 364-366 

PART XII. 

Chronic Poisoning and Drug Habits :— 

Alcohol, Arsenic, Chloral, Cocaine, Ether, Lead, 
Mercury, Opium and Morphine, Paraldehyde, 
Phosphorus, Sulphonal, Wormwood—Ab- 

9inth e .367-392 
























CONTENTS. 


IX 


APPENDIX. pages 

Dose Table (Single Dose).393-410 

[Prepared by comparing and averaging doses stated by leading 
American and European authorities.] 

Antidote Bag. 410 

Dose Table (Maximum Daily Doses).411-412 

Key to Uranalysis (For Exclusion).413-414 

Abnormal Constituents of Urine. 414 

Tables of Weights and Measures.415-417 

Temperature Equivalents . 418 

Tables Showing Frequency of Respiration at Various 

Ages, and Frequency of Pulse. 418 

Income and Expenditures, of Life. 418 

Inks—Constituents of; etc. 4 l 9 

Stains—Removal of ; etc. 4 2 ° 

Important Facts. 4 20 

Order of Eruption of Teeth. 421 

Eruptive Fevers .422-423 

Table for Making Percentage Solutions. 423 

Epitome of Important Incompatibles. 424 

Freezing Mixtures. 4 2 5 

Laws Relating to Sales of Poisons. 4 2 5-4 2 6 

Questions for Self-Examination. 426-434 

Index . 435-444 






















A MANUAL 


— OF — 

TOXICOLOGY. 


PART I. 


GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 

Toxicology is the science of poisons; i.e., the sci¬ 
ence which treats of the nature, properties, effects, 
and detection of poisons, and the treatment of 
poisoning. 

A Poison (in a strict sense, i.e., a True Poison) 
is any substance which upon entering into solution 
in the circulating blood or by chemically acting 
upon it is capable uniformly of producing serious 
bodily injury, disease or death (e.g., arsenic, alka¬ 
loids, toxins, chloral) ; or (in a broad sense), is any 
substance which, independent of any mechanical ac¬ 
tion, uniformly causes serious bodily injury, disease 
or death, when applied to, introduced into, or de¬ 
veloped within the body (e.g., “True Poisons,” 
mineral acids, alkalies, etc.). 

A person’s individual susceptibility, i.e., idiosyn¬ 
crasy, or his diseased state, whereby a certain sub¬ 
stance injures him or causes his death but does not 
so affect others in health, does not warrant classify¬ 
ing that substance as a poison; nor does the avenue 
of body entrance (by mouth or otherwise) ; but, in 
order to be classed as a poison, its effects must be 
uniformly injurious to persons in health. 

It has been proposed (not generally adopted) to 
recognize as a poison any substance which produces 
harmful effects in quantity of a drachm or less. 

A Corrosive Poison is one which by contact, 
chemically causes local destruction of tissue. When 
swallowed, it usually produces nausea,. vomiting, 
and great local distress. A Corrosive Poison is not 

N. B. Special attention is called to N. B., page 61 . 





12 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


strictly a true poison. If highly diluted with water 
it ceases to be corrosive (e.g., Nitric Acid). 

A True Poison is still poisonous no matter how 
highly diluted (e.g., Atropine, Strychnine, etc.). 

A Cumulative Poison is one which increases sud¬ 
denly in its intensity of action after slow additions 
of it (e.g., Digitalis). 

THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF ‘‘POISON.” 

The legal definition of “POISON” is very suc¬ 
cinctly and clearly stated by Robert as follows: 

The statutes of the State of New York and those of the 
United States, do not define the word “poison.” Words 
are there used to indicate their general meaning, unless some¬ 
thing is found in the context to denote some special or re¬ 
stricted use. 

According to its generally received meaning, we can say: 
In most cases a poison is a substance which, when given even 
in small doses, owing to its chemical constitution, is capable 
of destroying health or life. 

The following statement, by Herold, very con¬ 
cisely expresses the generally accepted scientific 
and legal views of this matter: 

A Poison is a substance which, when applied to the body 
externally, or introduced into the system either by the mouth, 
rectum, vagina, skin, lungs, etc., without acting mechanically, 
but by its own inherent qualities, is capable of altering or de¬ 
stroying some or all of the functions necessary to life. 

The intent with which such a substance is given enters into 
the legal conception of a poison. The law never regards the 
manner in which a substance acts, and it is of little conse¬ 
quence, so far as the responsibility of the accused person is 
concerned, whether its action on the body be of a mechanical 
or of a chemical nature, so long as the substance administered 
is capable of causing disease or death. Broken or crushed 
glass, needles, pins, and like bodies are not poisons in the 
medical signification of the term; yet, when taken inwardly, 
may be destructive to life. Any substance which causes dis¬ 
ease or death, given with homicidal intent, may be regarded as 
a legal definition of a poison. 


THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF “POISON.” 


13 


The English law declares that: “Whoever shall administer, 
or cause to be administered to, or taken by any person, any 
poison or other destructive thing, with intent to commit mur¬ 
der, shall be guilty of felony.” And also: “That whosoever 
shall unlawfully or maliciously administer to, or cause to be 
taken by, any other person any poison or other destructive or 
noxious thing, so as thereby to endanger the life of such per¬ 
son, or so as thereby to inflict upon such person any grievous 
bodily harm, shall be guilty of felonyand “Whoever shall 
unlawfully apply, or administer to, or cause to be taken by, 
any person any chloroform, laudanum, or other stupefying or 
overpowering drug, matter, or thing, with intent, in any such 
case, thereby to enable himself or any other person to commit, 
or with intent, etc., to assist any other person in committing, 
any indictable offence, shall be guilty of felony.” 

The German statute provides that: “Whoever wilfully ad¬ 
ministers (beibringt) to a person, for the purpose of injuring 
health, poison, or any other substance having the property of 
injuring health, will be punished by from two to ten years’ 
imprisonment. If by such act a serious bodily injury is caused, 
the imprisonment is not to be less than five years; if death 
is the result, the imprisonment is to be not under ten years 
or for life.” 

If the death is wilfully caused by poison, it comes under 
the general law: “Whoever wilfully kills a man, and if the 
killing is premeditated, is on account of murder punishable 
with death.” 

The French law (Art. 301 , Penal Code) says: “Every at¬ 
tempt on the life of a person, by the effect of substances which 
may cause death, more or less suddenly, in whatever manner 
these substances may have been employed or administered, and 
whatever may have been the results, is called poisoning.” 

There is also a penalty provided against any one who “shall 
have occasioned the illness or incapacity for personal work of 
another, by the voluntary administration, in any manner what¬ 
ever, of substances which, without being of a nature to cause 
death, are injurious to health.” 

Blyth’s scientific definition of a poison is: “A sub¬ 
stance of definite chemical composition, whether 
mineral or organic, may be called a poison, if it is 
capable of being taken into any living organism, 
and causes, by its own inherent chemical nature, 
impairment or destruction of function.” 

Acute Poisoning is produced by taking an exces- 


14 


A MANUAL OP LEXICOLOGY. 


sive single dose of a poison, or several smaller doses 
with such frequency as to result in prompt and marked 
disturbance of function or death within a definite 
time. 

Chronic Poisoning' is produced by taking or ab¬ 
sorbing for a protracted period small doses of a poison, 
thereby producing gradual but progressive deteriora¬ 
tion of function or tissue (e.g.,By lead, morphine, etc.) 

An Antidote (in a general sense) is any agent which 
neutralizes a poison, or otherwise counteracts or op¬ 
poses it or its effects. It may either so alter a poison as 
to make it harmless, remove it from the body, mechan¬ 
ically prevent its absorption, or so act upon the func¬ 
tions of the body as to more or less overcome th<9 
effects of its absorption. There are three kinds of 
antidotes: Chemical, Mechanical, and Physiological. 

A Chemical or True Antidote is one which makes 
the poison insoluble or harmless by chemically alter¬ 
ing it. (It acts directly upon the Poison.) 

A Mechanical A*ntidote or Antidotal Measure 
is one which removes the poison without changing it, 
or so coats the stomach or mechanically suspends 
the poison that absorption is prevented. (It acts 
directly upon or against the Poison.) 

A Physiological Antidote or Antagonist is an 
agent which so acts upon the system as to counteract, 
more or less completely, the effects of another sub¬ 
stance (e. g., atropine counteracts the effects of mor¬ 
phine, to a certain extent). (It acts directly upon 
the functions of the body.) 

In a strict sense, a measure which tends to overcome 
the remote systemic effects of a poison, (as artificial 
respiration, cold affusions, etc. ), is not an antidote, 
but a Physiological or Antagonistic Measure. 

A Medicine is a substance administered to cor 
rect a disordered or diseased state of the system. 

Posology treats of the form and quantity of med¬ 
icine to be administered at one time, or within a 
certain period. 

A Dose is the quantity of medicine to be adminis¬ 
ter^ at cuzs or within a certain period, usually 


EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


19 


a day. It may be a single, or daily dose, a safe, or 
poisonous dose, a minimum, or maximum dose, a 
mouth, hypodermic, or rectal dose, etc. 

Only a certain amount of some medicines may 
safely be administered in twenty-four hours; there¬ 
fore, the daily dose may be disproportionate to the 
single dose. (See dose tables in Appendix.) 

A Safe Dose may be useless if too small; conse¬ 
quently a dose called the Minimum Dose is fixed as 
the smallest amount from which physiological effect 
is commonly assumed to result, or beneficial action 
upon the sick is secured. 

No arbitrary quantity of a poison can be stated 
above which it is poisonous, and below which its 
effects are both safe and salutary. (2 grains of ar¬ 
senic or ]/ 2 ounce of oxalic acid may be fatal.) 

A Toxic or Poisonous Dose is the dose that is 
harmful to both the healthy and the sick, but is not 
fatal. It begins where the limit of safety, commonly 
called the Maximum Dose, ends. 

A Lethal or Fatal Dose is the dose which kills, 
and although ordinarily more, may. under certain 
conditions, be less than the ordinary maximum dose. 

Considering the foregoing facts, it is important 
that the Minimum and Maximum Doses of medi¬ 
cines be well known, and especially that the Maxi¬ 
mum Doses be not exceeded' except for some 
special reason, lest poisoning result.* 

EFFECTS OF POISONS. 

Poisons may have local or remote effects, or both. 

The local effect of a poison is the impression made 
directly upon that part of the body with which the 
poison comes in contact: Such as corrosive effects 
produced upon stomach and intestines by immediate 
contact of concentrated mineral acid or caustic alkali; 
or irritative, inflammatory, or local specific effect of 
such substances as corrosive sublimate or aconite. 

The remote effect is the impression made upon a 

* The author has arranged a Table of Doses of the principal and many 
new remedies. This table will be found in the Appendix. 



16 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


distant part of the body (e. g., belladonna taken 
into the stomach produces paralysis of the ciliary 
nerves resulting in dilatation of the pupil of the 
eye). The usual symptoms of poisoning are the 
remote effects of the poison. 

Certain poisons, such as arsenic, carbolic acid, 
potassium cyanide, etc., have both local and remote 
effects; e.g., arsenic has a local effect upon the 
stomach, and a remote effect upon the brain; can- 
tharides locally produces blisters, remotely influ¬ 
ences the kidneys and bladder, causing strangury 
and sometimes bloody urine. 

A Poison, unless it be a corrosive poison, must 
first pass into the circulating blood, be incorporated 
or dissolved in it or chemically act upon it, and the 
poison or altered blood then be carried (circulated) 
to distant parts of the body, in order to produce the 
full poison-effects upon the system. Some poisons 
are more rapidly taken into the general circulation 
than others. The corrosives often produce local ef¬ 
fects so severe as to cause death. 

Poisoning cannot occur by nervous communica¬ 
tion or by simple approximation of tissue. 

We know that poisons are absorbed into the cir¬ 
culation because we find them in the blood, secre¬ 
tions, and various organs of the body, such as the 
kidneys, liver, spleen, brain, lungs, etc. 

Some poisons are absorbed without undergoing 
any change, and pass out of the circulation and body 
still unchanged. Some are chemically altered during 
absorption, or in the blood or organs, and thus de¬ 
stroyed. The liver actively protects the body 
against poisoning. It arrests most of the poisons 
brought to it through the portal vein: arrests mor¬ 
phine, strychnine, atropine, cocaine, and various 
other alkaloids, ammonia, putrid poisons, toxic pro¬ 
ducts of intestinal fermentations, mineral poisons, 
etc. Some poisons it modifies, some it stores up 
(various mineral poisons, etc.), and some it elimi¬ 
nates. When a poison enters the blood it probably 
causes some change in that fluid. Some poisons so 



VEIN < 
SUPERIOR 


MiDOLE KJGHT LUMU 

LOBE 


INFERIOR 


/ INFERIOR 


iSnO' 


PANCREAS 


AjpfcfW*** 


Diagram showing chief organs concerned in absorption and circulation 
of poisons. (See pages 16 to 21.) 















A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


TtlfOlT , 
: P°- | 



A. yapoowcj ' 

VriooMT **,*«*# ! L T 
• 7?£S<0/V ' 1 -. 

% '■" 


;>v 


jNW&UIIVA L 


IHOUlNA Q 


Abdominal Regions 



Diagratmnatic scheme of circulation. (See pages 16 to 21.) 









EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


17 


alter the blood as to make it unfit to perform its 
functions. (See also Part IV.) According to Da 
Costa, the following blood effects have been recog- 


nized: 

Substance. 

Effects. 

Alcohol, 

Anemia, often leucocytosis. 

Amyl nitrite, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Acetanilid, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Ammonium hydroxid, 

Leukocytosis. 

Antipyrin, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Bromin, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Chloral, 

Leukocytosis. 

Chromic acid, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Ether, 

Oligochromemia, 

Guaiacol, 

Hemocytolysis, leukocytosis. 

Hydrogen cyanid, 

Methemoglobinemia, [mia.] 

Illuminating gas, 

Methemoglobinemia, polycythe- 

Iodin, 

Leucocytosis,methemoglobinemia 

Lead, 

Anemia, granularbasophilia, of¬ 

Nitrobenzene, 

ten leukocytosis. 
Methemoglobinemia, megalo¬ 

Nitroglycerin, 

blastic anemia. 
Methemoglobinemia. 

Phenacetin, 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Phosphorus, 

Polycythemia, occasionally leu¬ 

Potassium chlorate, 

kocytosis. 

Methemoglobinemia, anemia, 

Sodium nitrite. 

leukocytosis. 

Methemoglobinemia. 

Poisonous mushrooms, 

Hemoglobinemia. 


In toxicological examinations, it is important to find 
the poison in some of the body secretions or organs. 

Poisons may be absorbed with remarkable 
rapidity, especially if hypodermically injected. 

The rapidity of absorption depends upon— 

i. The solubility of the poison. 

If it is absolutl)' insoluble it cannot be absorbed. But 
although insoluble in water it may be soluble in the fluids 
of the alimentary canal and consequently be absorbed. 
There are some poisons of an animal nature, which, if 
swallowed, seem to undergo a change by digestion or 
otherwise which makes them practically harmless: (e. g., 
the virus of glanders, smallpox, syphilis, etc.). [After 
burial, arsenic, etc., may enter body from soil, etc.] 


18 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


2 . The character of the surface to which the 
poison is applied. 

Poisons may enter the system through the skin, as by the 
use of washes and salves (e. g., such poisons as arsenic, 
tartar emetic, corrosive sublimate, opium, etc.). 

If the skin is removed beforehand, the absorption is of 
course more rapid. If the surface is rich in blood vessels 
and the intervening walls thin, the poison is likely to be 
very promptly taken up. When poisonous vapors or 
gases are inhaled, the effects are exceedingly prompt, be- 
cause of the rapidity of absorption in the respiratory tract. 
Poisons act more rapidly when given by the mouth than 
by the rectum; and still more so when given by hypoder¬ 
matic injection; when injected directly into the blood ves¬ 
sels of the body they have an almost instantaneous effect. 
A poison taken into the stomach when the latter is full of 
food usually acts very slowly, or may expend its power 
upon the contents (potassium permanganate introduced 
into a stomach containing much organic matter expends its 
oxidizing power upon such matter) ; but if the stomach 
is empty the action usually is very prompt, and apt to be 
directed against the walls of the stomach. 

The lungs may absorb fine dust. 

[Apparently arsenic oxid and trioxid have only a local 
effect if given subcutaneously, but by mouth poison.] 

3 . The quantity of blood in the blood vessels. 

If the vessels contain but little blood, the poison is more 
rapidly absorbed. The less circulating fluid there is, the 
more rapid the absorption. Therefore, bleeding or purg¬ 
ing will favor absorption by producing depletion of the 
vascular system. 

It is evident that the fatal effects of a poison are 
due to absorption, inasmuch as the poisoning con¬ 
tinues as long as the blood circulates between the 
place where the poison has been introduced and the 
organ affected by it. Also by the fact that the 
effect ceases when the circulation, from the place 
where the poison was introduced, has been cut off. 
This has been proved by experiments upon animals. 

As a poison, which has been absorbed into the 
blood, passes through the different organs of the 


EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


19 


body, some of it is at once separated by them and 
promptly removed in their secretions, such as the 
saliva, urine, sweat, bile, pancreatic juice, etc. The 
kidneys remove many poisons, and should be aided. 

Some of the poison may, however, be temporarily 
deposited in the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, 
brain, pancreas, muscles, or bones. This is true of 
mineral and some vegetable poisons. Gaseous poisons 
are not deposited, but promptly removed by way of the 
lungs. Lead and some other mineral poisons are par¬ 
ticularly inclined to deposit in the spinal cord and brain. 
These various depositions are invariably in the form of 
an albuminoid combination. A poison which is not 
known to have any selective action is most likely to be 
found in either the liver or kidneys. 

Although only a small portion of a poison circu¬ 
lates in the capillaries at any one time, it is this 
portion which produces the poisonous effects. That 
portion which still is in the stomach or otherwise un¬ 
absorbed, or has been temporarily deposited in the 
various organs, is harmless while it remains there. 

Hence, an unabsorbed poison in the stomach is 
not the cause of death as is commonly supposed. 
The cause of death is that portion of the poison 
which was absorbed; and the unabsorbed portion in 
the stomach is the surplus of what was capable of 
producing death. Exception is, of course, made re¬ 
garding the local action of corrosives. 

A poison which, for the time being, is deposited in 
the organs, is harmless while there, but nevertheless 
is a menace to life, as at any time it may be reab¬ 
sorbed and thus become again active. Therefore, 
it is evident a poison should be removed entirely 
from the system as soon and as completely as 
possible. 

The length of time required for the removal of an 
absorbed poison from the circulation, either by the 
secretions or by its being deposited in the organs or 
tissues, depends upon the poison and the state of the 
svstem. Potassium iodide, turpentine, antimony, 
*ind carbolic acid may often be found in the urine a 


20 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


few minutes after being swallowed. It is believed that 
mineral poisons are rapidly separated from the blood. 
Lithium salts pass through the entire circulatory sys¬ 
tem within a few minutes after being given and may be 
detected in the perspiration. Arsenic has been found in 
the urine within an hour and an half and in the liver 
within four hours after it was taken. It takes nearly 
two weeks to remove it from the system. Antimony 
may be found four months, and lead and copper eight 
months after they have been taken. 

Early vomiting and purging after only a moderate 
dose of poison may prevent the deposition of the 
poison, but without saving life, there being just enough 
poison absorbed to kill. 

As the various poisons circulate throughout the 
body in the blood, they come in contact with the great 
centres of life—the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord, 
—and exert their influence upon those organs, 
which are peculiarly sensitive to their actions, 
or show their elective affinity for various organs and 
produce their specific effects ; one, as opium, 
affecting the brain producing narcotism; another, as 
prussic acid or digitalis, the heart, producing asthenia; 
another, as strychnine, the spinal cord, producing 
tetanus, etc. Morphine given hypodermatically 
promptly seeks the stomach; mercury applied to the 
skin in the form of a salve promptly seeks the small 
intestine, etc. 

We do not know why they so act any more than 
we know why different poisons prefer different 
methods of removal from the system; as, potassium 
iodide prefers removal by the urine, mercury by the 
saliva, arsenic by the stomach glands, lead by the 
secretions of the liver and kidneys, etc. (See Part IV.) 

Death by poisoning may result from shock to 
the general nervous system, or from a specific disturb¬ 
ance of some vital organ or center of life, as from 
paralysis of the heart, paralysis of the respiratory 
centers, asphyxia, etc. 

The strong corrosives produce death by shock 

through their severe local action, producing a gen- 


EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


21 


eral depression of the system like that caused by a 
severe burn or other serious injury to the surface of 
the body. Most poisons cause death by producing a 
general devitalizing effect. 

The effects of a poison may be modified by the 
physical state, quality, or mode of administration 
of the drug, the size of the dose, the association 
with other poisons, the age, sex, idiosyncrasy, 
habit, or mental or physical state of the individ¬ 
ual, the condition of the stomach, and the char¬ 
acter and amount of the stomach contents. 

Men as a rule bear larger doses of medicines than 
women. 

As a general rule, the larger and more robust the in¬ 
dividual, the less easily he is influenced by drugs, and 
the greater his vital resistance. 

Regarding mode of administration : dilute diuretics 
are more effective than concentrated ones ; but saline 
purgatives are most effective when concentrated. Of 
alcoholic, watery and oily solutions, the first is most 
readily absorbed, the last least so. Hot solutions 
are usually more rapidly absorbed than cold ones. 
Dilution of a poison by water frequently favors its 
speedy absorption, hence the promptness and sever¬ 
ity of its action; to this, corrosives are exceptions. 

A poison is absorbed more rapidly in gaseous than 
in solid or even liquid state; consequently it is most 
active in gaseous, less active in liquid, and least ac¬ 
tive in solid state. It appears that alcohol, hydro¬ 
cyanic acid, nicotine, etc., may enter the circulation 
directly through walls of lips, mouth, nose or 
stomach. A diseased or disordered stomach may 
delay absorption of a poison or prove highly suscep¬ 
tible to the action of an irritant poison; or acidity, 
alkalinity, or other character of its contents or the 
character of the vehicle in which the poison is given 
may determine the solution, absorption, destruction 
or intensity of action of a poison (e.g., an acid or 
alkali may be neutralized; corrosive sublimate, taken 
in milk or eggs, modified; mercurous chloride de¬ 
composed by an alkali thereby acting severely; etc.). 

Certain toxalbumins, such as snake venom, are 


22 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


almost or quite inert when taken into stomach, but 
very poisonous if introduced directly into the blood. 

Some poisons are severely irritant in large doses. 

Although some substances are very irritant poisons 
in large doses, in small doses are not; but if continued, 
gradually salivate (e.g., certain salts of mercury). 

As a rule, the larger the dose, the quicker and 
frequently more emphatic the action. Some irritant 
substances, however, act as emetics in large doses, 
while small ones have no emetic effect, and conse¬ 
quently remain and poison (e.g., arsenic). A large 
dose quickly absorbed may exhibit so severe central 
nervous system effects as to obscure or prevent 
gastro-intestinal ones (e.g., arsenic). 

A large dose of a poison may cause death in a dif¬ 
ferent way from a small dose. Oxalic acid in large 
dose quickly produces death by shock ; in small doses, 
slowly kills by its action upon heart and nerve centers.* 

Combining poisons sometimes increases (as mor¬ 
phine with chloral), sometimes diminishes, their 
power; or, their action may actually be antagonized 
or neutralized by such combining. The action of one 
poison may be suspended by the action of the other. 

The antagonistic action of poisons is well known. 
Certain poisons decidedly antagonize each other, one 
more or less neutralizing the effect of the other upon 
the system. 

The antagonistic action may be either physi¬ 
ological or toxic. Calcium salts in poisonous doses 
will produce such contraction of a frog’s heart that 
the animal dies—the heart contracted. Potassium salts 
in poisonous doses produce dilatation of the heart, and 
death in that state. A balance dose of the two salts 
will control the action of each salt, the physiological 
effects of one being neutralized by the other, so that 
the heart acts normally and the animal lives. There 
is a similar antagonism between the potassium salts 
and veratrine. Morphine, aconite, and conium are 
more or less neutralized, respectively, by atropine, dig¬ 
italis, and strychnine. And atropine neutralizes strych¬ 
nine. Furthermore, a combination of poisons may so 


For comments on fatal dose and cause of death, see page 319. 



EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


23 


modify the action upon the system as to obscure the 
symptoms, and even interfere with the chemical tests. 

As indicated in the foregoing, such conditions and 
peculiarities of the system, as Habit, Idiosyncrasy, 
and Disease also modify the action of poisons. 

Habit, as a rule, lessens the effect of poisons; • 
(e. g., opium, alcohol, arsenic, etc.) Gradual increase 
in dose of a poisonous substance, commonly, produces 
toleration of it, but habitues die from overdoses. 

With vegetable substances, such as opium and 
gelsemium, it is usually necessary to increase the dose 
frequently to maintain the effects; however, with min¬ 
eral substances, the contrary is, as a rule, the case; anti¬ 
mony and mercury cannot be long taken without risk. 

Idiosyncrasy (constitutional peculiarity; distinc¬ 
tive characteristic; personal susceptibility or tolerance, 
respecting certain poisons) is noted when morphine, 
calomel, etc., are administered to some persons. 

Some persons are affected by the tonic influences 
of even minute doses of arsenic; some are salivated by 
a minute dose of a mercurial; some are poisoned by a 
very small amount of turpentine. Other persons can¬ 
not take the iodides; with some, even quite dilute solu¬ 
tions of cocaine applied to any mucous membrane will 
cause severe symptoms of poisoning; opium produces 
wakefulness; etc. Some can take enormous doses. 

Some persons are very susceptible to the effects of 
certain plants, while others are unaffected by them. 

Some cannot take quinine, others opium or bella¬ 
donna, etc. Some persons are made seriously ill by 
partaking of, or only smelling, substances which are 
very agreeable to others; among these are various 
drugs, and such foods as fish, eggs, honey, lobster, 
and other shell-fish, mutton, raspberries, strawberries, 
etc.; also the odors of musk or of sewer gas, the smell 
of various animals, the scent of flowers, etc. Among 
the symptoms produced are: Nettle-rash after partak¬ 
ing of raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, crabs, or 
other red dishes; sneezing in the presence of the ob¬ 
noxious animals; colic after cocoa; fainting, illusions, 


24 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


and other nervous phenomena from the scent of the 
lily, rose, violet, hyacinth, etc. 

Disease also modifies the action of certain poi¬ 
sons ; as, opium in tetanus, peritonitis, delirium tre¬ 
mens, etc., where the power of the poison is dimin¬ 
ished; or, as opium in apoplexy and inflammation of 
the brain, where tolerance of it is lessened. In 
paralysis, strychnine acts less readily. In typhoid 
fever very large doses of alcohol are tolerated. In 
organic disease of kidney, lessened eliminative power 
seems to increase susceptibility to poisons. 

Sleep usually diminishes or retards the action of 
poisons, owing to diminished vital functions (e.g., 
arsenic and other irritants). Exhaustion usually in¬ 
creases the susceptibility to certain poisons, par¬ 
ticularly those having a depressing effect. 

In maniacs and in some convulsive disorders, seda¬ 
tives may be almost inactive. 

The Evidences of Poisoning may be divided into: 

i. Circumstantial, or Moral; 2. Symptomatic; 
3. Chemical; 4. Post-Mortem ; 5. Experimental. 

1. Circumstantial or Moral Evidence is that con¬ 
tributed by the circumstances or deduced from vari¬ 
ous occurrences and facts. Among these are motives 
for poisoning; the possession or purchase of the par¬ 
ticular poison found; previous attempts to poison; 
active efforts for secrecy regarding medicine used, 
or matters vomited ; undue haste in burial, etc. 

2. Symptomatic Evidence is that contributed by 
the symptoms. It may be subjective or objective. 
While very important in determining a poisoning, it 
is, nevertheless, only presumptive evidence of it. 
There are no absolutely characteristic symptoms of 
any poison. If there were, symptoms would be de¬ 
terminative evidence, and chemical investigation un¬ 
necessary. The local action of strong mineral acids 
and alkalies may be somewhat of an exception. 

^Inasmuch as most poisons act very promptly, the 
occurrence of severe symptoms, such as violent pain, 
vomiting, purging, convulsions, delirium or drowsi¬ 
ness, soon after a person, previously in a state of health, 

*See also pages 25T. i2\. 


EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


25 


has taken food or drink, indicates cause for investiga¬ 
tion. And even if the symptoms come on gradually 
and are supposed to be caused by disease, they may be 
due to slow poisoning resulting from taking small re¬ 
peated doses of a poison. Furthermore, the symptoms 
or other evidences of certain poisons resemble those of 
certain diseases or disorders. Irritant poisoning is 
simulated by cholera morbus, food poisoning, malig¬ 
nant cholera, gastro-enteritis, peritonitis, gastric and 
intestinal ulceration, strangulated hernia, etc. Nar¬ 
cotic poisoning is simulated by autoinfection, epilepsy, 
apoplexy, meningitis, tetanus, certain heart diseases, 
etc. It is also well known that intoxication will mask 
the effect of narcotics. Arsenic poisoning and cholera 
morbus give very similar symptoms. Opium poisoning 
may be quite readily mistaken for apoplexy or uremia. 
The symptoms of strychnine poisoning and tetanus are 
very similar. 

3. Chemical Kvidence is the evidence obtained 
by means of a chemical analysis of the substance sup¬ 
posed to have caused the poisoning, or of that which 
has been vomited, or of material found in some part 
of the body, or in its excretions. 

The consideration of the physical properties of the 
suspected poison should be associated with the chemical 
investigation. 

Poison found in the stomach has in some cases been 
introduced there after death. Care must, therefore, 
be exercised to exclude such possibility. 

There is no known distinctive chemical test 
for certain poisons. Consequently those poisons 
cannot always be identified. 

Furthermore, the poison may have been decomposed 
in the blood or tissues, or so thoroughly eliminated or 
otherwise removed as not to be discoverable. 

The more unstable of the alkaloids and organic 
poisons are known to be oxidized while passing through 
the lungs. It is believed that many poisonous princi¬ 
ples, which enter the blood, are either destroyed or their 
effects neutralized by the white blnod corpuscles. 


2(5 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Sometimes the chemical investigation is interfered 
with by the presence of certain ptomains. 

Ptomains (Animal Alkaloids, Cadaveric Alka¬ 
loids, or Putrefactive Alkaloids) are alkaloidal sub¬ 
stances, resulting from the decomposition of albu¬ 
minous materials under the influence of bacteria. 
Some ptomains are poisonous, the majority are not. 
Ptomains have been found in mussels, oysters, eels, 
sausage, ham, canned meats, etc. Tyrotoxicon is a 
ptomain from poisonous cheese, poisonous milk, 
poisonous cream, etc. 

A Toxin is a poisonous substance or mixture of 
substances produced by bacterial action. It may be an 
alkaloid or proteid substance with poisonous proper¬ 
ties, or a mixture. The term toxin is usually re¬ 
stricted to poisonous proteid substances produced by 
disease producing microorganisms—as diphtheria 
toxin, or tetanus toxin. In a crude way, bacteria 
may be likened to bees and toxins to their honey. 

Food Poisons: Certain foods, when undergoing 
decomposition, may become poisonous from develop¬ 
ment of ptomains or toxins. Symptoms of food poi¬ 
soning are usually those of a gastro-intestinal irritant. 

4. Post-Mortem Evidence is that obtained by an 
examination of the organs and tissues of the body 
after death. In post-mortem absorption the poison 
is found chiefly in the external portion of the organ. 
In ante-mortem absorption the blood circulation and 
other vital processes would produce more uniform dif¬ 
fusion throughout the interior of the organ. If evi¬ 
dent changes in the histological character of the organ 
are observed, it is presumptive evidence of ante-mortem 
introduction of the poison. Perforations produced by 
corrosives are invariably large and ragged, while 
those caused by disease are, as a rule, small with smooth 
edges. But, inasmuch as certain diseases simulate cer¬ 
tain poisons, a post-mortem examination is not alto¬ 
gether a positive evidence of poisoning. 

Redness, ulceration, softening of the mucous mem¬ 
brane of the alimentary canal, and perforation- are the 
principal evidences encountered post-mortem 


EFFECTS OF POISONS. 


27 


Irritants produce their chief effects upon the stom¬ 
ach and intestines, causing irritation, inflammation 
and corrosion; they sometimes produce ulceration, 
perforation, and even gangrene. They may cause 
thickening or thinning, and softening of visceral walls. 

The post-mortem appearances resulting from the 
narcotic poisons are not well defined. 

Poisons which are narcotico-irritant in their effects, 
may affect either or both the alimentary canal and 
brain. Death may result from irritants or narcotics 
without producing any appreciable post-mortem 
changes. 

Redness of mucous membrane of stomach and small 
intestine may be post-mortem sign from the action of 
an irritant poison, or from disease, suffocation, drown¬ 
ing or strangulation. A deep red color of the stom¬ 
ach wall is sometimes caused by transudation of blood 
from liver or spleen. Gravitation of blood, also, some¬ 
times causes a similar appearance in intestinal w T all. 

Ante-mortem symptoms or some chemical evi¬ 
dence is therefore important. 

In ulceration of stomach from irritant poison, mu¬ 
cous membrane usually is destroyed in small circular 
patches, and redness from ulceration is diffused; not 
diffused when from disease. Stomach mucous mem¬ 
brane softening is not characteristic of poisoning. 
Disease produces same. When caused by corrosives, 
mouth, etc., will invariably show effects of poison. 

Perforation may result from poison or disease, and 
follow corrosion or ulceration. As said, in perforation 
from disease, opening is usually small, oval or round¬ 
ed, with smooth edges; from acids, large and ragged. 
The diaphragm, stomach, spleen, liver and other 
viscera sometimes spontaneously soften. The pre¬ 
ceding facts indicate necessity for caution in draw¬ 
ing conclusions from post-mortem appearances. 

5. Experimental Evidence is evidence obtained 
by administering the suspected substance to some liv¬ 
ing animal and observing the effects. Apparently only 
dog and cat similarly affected as man by same poi¬ 
sons, but fatal dose, rapidity of action, rate of absorp 


28 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


tion,, deposition or elimination of a poison adminis¬ 
tered to man cannot be determined by experiments 
upon the lower animals. But the administration of a 
suspected substance to a lower animal may serve as 
corroborative evidence of the poisonous nature. 

But remember that: A rabbit can take more morphine and 
atropine than a man who weighs fifty times as much ; amygda- 
lin kills rabbits, but has no effect upon dogs; an adult man 
cannot bear as much strychnine as the smallest snail; insects 
are unaffected by many of the strongest heart poisons; hedge¬ 
hog unaffected by bite of most venomous snake, and not in¬ 
jured by large doses of hydrocyanic acid or cantharides; 
although frog easily affected by the digitalis poisons, toad quite 
unaffected by them; dogs narcotized by morphine, but can take 
more than most men; it crazes cats, hares and cows; etc. 

THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 

It is almost impossible to arrange a satisfactory 
classification of poisons. In an ideal one the same 
poison would appear but once, and the line between 
each poison would be sharply drawn. 

Some writers upon toxicology classify poisons ac¬ 
cording to the kingdoms; that is, as animal, mineral, 
and vegetable poisons. Poisons have also been clas¬ 
sified as organic, mineral, and volatile poisons. But 
these classifications have proved unsatisfactory. A 
quite satisfactory classification, based upon the origin 
or nature of poisons, but somewhat less definite than 
the author’s Chemical Classification, arranges poi¬ 
sons as: (i) Inorganic, (2) Alkaloidal, (3) Non-alka- 
loidal Organic, (4) Gaseous, (5) Food Poisons. 

Poisons may very advantageously be classified 
either physiologically or chemically. 

Physiological classification usual and most satis¬ 
factory. Is based upon effects of poisons upon healthy 
animal, or upon system when in healthy condition. 

Chemical classification is a classification based 
Upon chemical composition or chemical behavior. 

The author herewith presents a physiological, also 
a chemical classification which, he believes, will be 
found useful. But for the reader’s convenience. 
Tanner's Blyth’s, Kobert’s, and other classifications 
are presented also, for purposes of comparison. 


NEUROTICS. . 1. IRRITANTS. 


THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 29 
PHYSIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


True 

Irritants. 



Bromine; Cantharides; Carbolic Acid; Creo¬ 
sote; Croton Oil; Castor Beans; Chlorine; 
Compounds of Antimony, Arseftk^-^Copper, 
Chromium, Iron, Lead, Tin and Zinc; Food 
Poison; Gelsemium; Hellebore; Iodine, 
Mushrooms; Phosphorus; Ptomains; 'Sa¬ 
vin; Trichina; Veratrum, Pot. Cyanide, etc. 


< 


r 


Corrosives.-^ 


v- 


Acetic, Carbolic, Chromic, Lactic, Oxalic 
and Salicylic Acids; The concentrated min¬ 
eral acids; Creosote; Corrosive Sublimate; 
Concentrated Lye; Potassium Chlorate; Po¬ 
tassium Nitrate; Potassium and Sodium Hy¬ 
droxides and Carbonates; Quick Lime; 
Soluble Salts of Barium; V^ater of Am¬ 
monia, etc. 




Cerebral. 


r c 

-< Narcotics. 



Alcohol; Apocynum; Bella¬ 
donna ; Chloral; Chloroform, 
Ether, etc. (Anesthetics); Car¬ 
bonic Oxide; Carbon Dioxide; 
Opium, etc. 


Spinal. 


| Tetanies. 


( Nux Vomica, Strychnine, Bru 
} cine; Ignatia; Thebaine, etc. 


Deliriants. 


f Belladonna ; Camphor; Cannabis 
J Indica; Cocaine; Fishberries 
] (Picrotoxin) ; Fungi; Hyoscya- 
mus; Stramonium; Solanine, etc. 


-< 


id 


Cerebro¬ 

spinal. 


V 


Depressants.-< 


Arnica; Antipyrine; Phenacetin, 
and many other Phenol and 
Benzene derivatives ; Colchicum ; 
Cocaine; Hemlock; Lobelia; 
Tobacco (Nicotine). 


Asthenics. 


r Aconite; Conium, Curare, 
Physostigma, Poke Root (Par¬ 
alyzants) ; Digitalis; Fishber¬ 
ries (Picrotoxin); Gelsemium; 
Hydrocyanic Acid; Nitro-Ben- 
zol; Pink Root; Potassium Cy¬ 
anide; Veratrum Viride; Animal 
- and Insect Poisons, etc. 


















30 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


IRRITANTS. 

An Irritant Poison is one which produces irrita¬ 
tion or inflammation. When swallowed such poi¬ 
son produces an irritant effect upon the mucous lin¬ 
ing of the alimentary canal, resulting in nausea, 
vomiting, purging, pain in the abdomen, cramps in 
the stomach and other parts of the body. Some¬ 
times blood accompanies the vomited or purged 
matters. 

The post-mortem changes are found to be more or 
less inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous 
membrane. Sometimes ulceration, perforation, and 
gangrene result. 

A Corrosive Poison is a highly active Irritant Poi¬ 
son and causes local destruction of tissue. Such 
poison, when swallowed, usually produces nausea, 
vomiting and great local distress. 

NEUROTICS. 

A Neurotic Poison is one which acts chiefly upon 
the nervous system. Although highly diluted with 
water it continues to be poisonous. It is a true 
poison in the strict sense. 

The symptoms are directed especially to the brain 
and spinal cord. 

The chief symptoms are: Drowsiness, giddiness, 
headache, delirium, stupor, coma, and sometimes 
convulsions or paralysis. 

Cerebral Neurotics affect chiefly the brain. 

Spinal Neurotics affect chiefly the spinal cord. 

Cerebro-Spinal Neurotics affect both brain and 
spinal cord. 

Narcotics are those agents which produce stupor, 
complete or incomplete insensibility or loss of teei- 
ing. Of these the opium group produce sleep; the 
belladonna group produce illusions and delirium; the 
alcohol group produce exhilaration succeeded by sleep 
or delirium. 

Anesthetics (General) are narcotics. 


THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


31 


Tetanies are agents which act directly upon the 
spinal cord, producing such spasmodic and continu¬ 
ous contraction of muscles as result in stiffness or 
immobility of the parts to which they are attached. 
The tetanic spasm lasts from one to five minutes, fol¬ 
lowed by intervals of complete relaxation. Nux 
Vomica and its alkaloids belong to this class. 

Deliriants are those agents which so act upon the 
brain as to disorder the mental faculties and pro¬ 
duce confusion of will power or delirium (such as 
Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Solanine, 
Cocaine, etc). 

Depressants or Sedatives, are agents which re¬ 
tard or depress the physiological action of an organ 
(e. g., Tobacco, Nicotine, Lobelia, etc.). 

Asthenics, or Exhaustives, are agents which pro¬ 
duce exhaustion; they cause marked loss of vital or 
muscular power. A typical member of this class of 
poisons is Hydrocyanic Acid, which is one of the 
most deadly poisons. It is found in bitter almonds, 
wild cherry, peach and apricot kernels, the seeds of 
apples, and in the flowers and leaves of cherry laurel, 
peaches, etc. Physostigma and Digitalis exhaust heart. 

Some poisons have the properties of both a cor¬ 
rosive or irritant and of a neurotic poison (e. g., 
Corrosive Sublimate, Arsenic, Carbolic Acid, etc.). 

The following-named drugs act directly upon the 
heart : Aconite, Antimony salts, Chloral, Hydro¬ 

cyanic Acid, Veratrum Viride, Digitalis, Sparteine, 
Strophanthus, etc. The first five decrease the number 
and force of the heart beats, the last three increase the 
force of the heart contractions. 

Poisons which affect the heart cause death by sud¬ 
den shock, collapse, or syncope. 

Among poisonous gases directly affecting the 
lungs are: Carbonic-Acid Gas, Chlorine, Illuminat¬ 
ing Gas, Muriatic-Acid fumes, Nitrous fumes, Sewer 
air, Sulpheretted Hydrogen, Sulphurous Oxide, etc. 
Neurotic symptoms are caused by poisonous gases, 
through the poisoning of the blood. 


ORGANIC I. INORGANIC 


32 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


Volatile ( Bromine; Chlorine; Iodine; Fluorine; 

Non-Metallic -] Phosphorus; Arseniuretted, Phosphoret- 
Poisons. ( ted, and Sulphuretted Hydrogen; etc. 

Metallic \ Antimony; Arsenic; Barium; Copper; 

Poisons. I Lead; Mercury; Silver; Tin; Zinc, etc. 


Mineral 

Acids. 


f Arsenic, Arsenous, Chromic, Hydro- 
3 bromic, Plydrochloric, Nitric, Phos- 
( phoric and Sulphuric Acids. 


Mineral ( Ammonium, Potassium, and Sodium, 
Alkalies. ( Hydroxides and Carbonates. 


r 


Volatile 

Organic 

Poisons. 


" Alcohol; Acetanilid; Aniline and its de¬ 
rivatives ; Antipyrine; Phenacetin, etc. 
Benzene and its derivatives, including Car¬ 
bolic Acid; Creosote; Carbon Monoxide; 
Coal Gas; Cyanogen; Picric Acid; Nitro¬ 
benzene; Chloral; Chloroform; Coniine; 
Ether; Hydrocyanic Acid; Nicotine; 
^Sparteine, etc. 


03 


Alkaloids. 


Aconitine; Apomorphine; Atropine, Bru¬ 
cine; Cocaine; Codeine; Colchicine; 
Coniine; Curarine; Emetine; Hyoscyamine; 
Morphine; Narceine; Narcotine; Nicotine; 
Physostigmine ; Pilocarpine ; Ptomaines ; 
Sparteine; Strychnine; Veratrine, etc. 


Animal 

Poisons. 


" Bee, Wasp, and Hornet stings, and bites 
of various other insects or of animals. 
Venom of various snakes, such as the Co- 
I bra, Copperhead, Rattlesnake, Mocassin, 
l etc. 


Bacterial 5 Food Poisons; Ptomains; Septic Poi- 
Poisons. ( sons; Toxins. 

Glucosids \ Digitalin; Salicin; Santonin; Solanin; 
( Strophanthin, etc. 


Organic 

Acids. 


j Acetic, Meconic, Oxalic, 

( Salicylic, Tartaric, etc., Acids. 









THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


33 


Tanner classifies poisons as: 

Corrosives, Simple Irritants, Specific Irri¬ 
tants, and Neurotics; “the last group is, however, 
further subdivided.” 

He declares: 

The group of corrosives should comprehend all poisons 
which by contact destroy the bodily textures, and so by chemi¬ 
cal action alone occasion death. 

These same substances, when diluted, may be incapable of 
destroying the tissues directly, but may do so by setting up 
inflammation; these, with certain others having like effects, 
would form the group of simple irritants. They kill by virtue 
of their secondary effects on the constitution. But some sub¬ 
stances, like arsenic, are not only capable of inducing local 
inflammations, with their secondary effects, but are also pos¬ 
sessed of certain specific and well-marked properties differing 
in each case. These are specific irritants. 

Neurotics comprehend all poisons whose effects are refer¬ 
able to the nervous system, necessarily a most diverse group, 
which we are not yet in a position to minutely analyze. 
Some, however, act mainly on the brain (opium), some on the 
spinal chord (strychnine), some on certain nerves only ( cu - 
rare), or on the vasomotor system of nerves (amyl nitrite). 

There was an old group of septic poisons. To this might 
still be referred certain noxious gases, such as hydrogen 
sulphide; or were it made to include all poisons acting directly 
on the blood, it would include the still more dangerous gas, 
carbon monoxide. 

The following table exhibits these subdivisions, and some of 
the poisons contained in each: 


m 

w 

> 


m 

o 

6 


Strong Mineral 
Acids . 


« Vegetable Acids.. 
Organic Deriva¬ 
tives . 

Alkalies. 


Simple Irritants 


f Sulphuric. 

< Nitric. 

( Hydrochloric. 

.. Oxalic. 

.. Carbolic Acid. 

( Strong Alkalies. 

/ Alkaline Carbonates, etc. 
' The above diluted. 

Lime. 

Zinc. 

„ Silver, etc. 








84 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


Specific Irritants. ... 


Neurotics 


' Arsenic. 
Mercury. 

- Antimony. 
Phosphorus. 

. Iodine, etc. 

' Opium. 
Prussic Acid. 
Chloroform. 
Belladona. 

- Aconite. 
Strychnin. 
Conium. 
Tobacco. 

„ Phenol, etc. 


Corrosive Poisons are characterized by these three things: 
I. Immediate action. 2. Local effects, such as destruction of 
tissue and staining; and in many cases by, 3. Death from 
shock. 

Irritant Poisons give rise to— 

1. Pain in the stomach and bowels. 2. Faintness and sick¬ 
ness; and 3. Purging with straining. 4. The evacuations are 
often tinged with blood. 5. The pulse is feeble and irregular; 
and 6. The skin is cold. 

Many of the substances of this class, from irritating the 
tissues with which they come in contact, produce a severe 
burning sensation in the mouth and oesophagus, as well as in 
the stomach. The degree of local destructive action produced 
will of course vary in proportion to the amount of the vehicle 
with which the noxious agent may be diluted. Irritants cause 
death by inducing collapse or convulsions, or by exciting 
severe inflammation; or, in some cases, after a variable inter¬ 
val, by leading to stricture of the oesophagus. The diseases 
which most resemble the action of irritants are, malignant 
cholera, severe diarrhoea, colic, cholera morbus, gastritis, en¬ 
teritis, rupture of the stomach or intestines, and obstruction of 
the bowels, mechanical or otherwise. 

Neurotic Poisons. —The symptoms of certain diseases bear 
a resemblance to those caused by some of the poisons of the 
neurotic class. Thus, belladonna gives rise to delirium with 
special illusions or convulsions. Sometimes there is tetanus, 
as in strychnine poisoning; sometimes coma (opium and car¬ 
bolic acid), or syncope ( digitalis ). Diseases of the brain and 
spinal chord, likely to be confounded with the effect of these 
poisons, are often very insidious in their progress, and hence 
mav suddenly give rise to suspicious symptoms. The historyi 





THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


35 


mode of attack, etc., will generally negative any suspicion ol 
poisoning. 

The above facts show the necessity of extreme caution in 
diagnosing a poison from the symptoms exclusively. 

As may be observed in the foregoing table, Tanner 
places under his first group, “ Corrosives,” first, 

the “strong” or “concentrated mineral acids,” 

such as sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), nitric acid (aqua 
fortis), hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid, spirit of 
salt), and such “mixed acids” as nitro-muriatic 
(aqua regia), and nitro-sulphuric (aqua reginse), 
and also sulphate of indigo; second, the “corrosive 
vegetable acids,” including oxalic acid (the so- 
called acid of sugar), acid potassium oxalate (salt 
of sorrel, essential salt of lemons), acetic acid, and 
tartaric acid; third, the “corrosive organic deriva¬ 
tives,” under which he places creosote, and carbolic 
acid (phenol), and in this connection he also classes 
the “derivatives from coal tar,” such as antipyrin, anti- 
febrin (acetanilid), phenacetin, salicylic acid, and 
salol; fourth, the “caustic alkalies and carbonates ” 
under which he places potash (potassium hydroxid), 
potassium carbonate (pearl ash), caustic soda (sodium 
hydroxid, sodium carbonate (washing crystal), 
ammonia (ammonium hydroxid), and ammonium car¬ 
bonate. 

Under his second group, “Si mple Irritants,” he 

places, ist. Salts of potassium, etc.r Potassium 
nitrate (nitre, saltpetre, sal prunelle), potassium 
sulphate, potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar, 
argols), liver of sulphur (an impure potassium 
sulphid), and lime; 2d. Zinc, silver, etc., Zinc 
sulphate (white vitriol), zinc chlorid, silver nitrate 
(lunar caustic), tin chlorides, bismuth subnitrate, 
potassium bichromate, iron sulphate (green vitriol, 
copperas), and ferric chlorid; 3d. Such “simple 
vegetable irritants” as “aloes, colocynth, jalap, 
gamboge, scammony, elaterium, croton oil, castor-oil 
seeds, various specifics of arum, euphorbium, bryony, 
mezereon, physic nut, and others less commonly 





36 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


known f and also such “simple animal irritants'* as 

poisonous fish, and poisonous meat, and such foods as 
milk and cheese which have undergone such changes 
as make them poisonous; 4th. Such “irritant gases” 
as chlorin, sulphurous acid, nitric oxid, hydrochloric 
acid gas, and ammonium hydroxid. 

Under his third group, “Specific Irritants,** he 

places, 1st. Such “specific mineral irritants” as 

iodin and potassium iodid, bromin and potassium bro- 
mid; also phosphorus, arsenous acid (arsenic, white 
arsenic), hydrogen arsenid, copper arsenite (Scheele’s, 
Brunswick, or mineral green), antimony chlorid (ter- 
chlorid or butter of antimony), tartar emetic (tartarized 
antimony, potassio-antimony tartrate), mercury and 
its compounds, such as corrosive sublimate, calomel, 
the red oxid (red precipitate), the red sulphid (cinna¬ 
bar or vermilion), the cyanid, the nitrates, and the 
subsulphate (turpeth mineral) ; also lead acetate (sugar 
of lead), lead subacetate (Goulard’s extract), lead 
carbonate (white lead), copper sulphate (blue vitriol 
or Milestone), copper subacetate (verdigris), barium 
chlorid, barium nitrate, and barium acetate. 2d. Such 
“specific vegetable irritants” as laburnum, 
“oenanthe crocata, phellandrinum aquaticum, aethusa, 
cynapium, etc.” Also black hellebore. 3d. Such 
“specific animal irritants” as cantharides (Spanish 
flies), etc. 

His fourth group, Neurotics, he divides into 

“Narcotics (neurotics acting on the brain and 
producing sleep),” in which he includes opium and its 
various preparations and alkaloids; “Anesthetics 
(neurotics acting on the brain and producing loss of 
sensation),” in which he includes chloroform, chloral, 
methylene dichlorid, ether, and nitrous oxid; “ Ine- 
briants (neurotics acting on the brain and producing 
intoxication),” in which he includes alcohol, nitro¬ 
benzene, anilin, cocculus indicus, darnel seeds (lolium 
temulentum), camphor and fungi; “Deliriants (neu¬ 
rotics acting on the brain and producing delirium)/’ 




THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


37 


in which he includes belladonna and its alkaloid, 
stramonium (thorn apple), dhatoora (seeds of datura 
alba), henbane and its alkaloids, nightshade with 
its active principle solanin, cocain and eucain; “ Con- 
vulsants (neurotics producing convulsions),” in 
which he includes nux vomica, strychnin and brucin; 
“Paralysants (neurotics producing paralysis of the 
motor nerves)/’ in which he includes calabar bean 
and its active principle eserin, conium (common 
or spotted hemlock) and its alkaloid conin; “Hypos- 
thenisants or Syncopants (neurotics producing 
death by syncope),” in which he includes aconite 
and its alkaloid aconitin, hydrogen cyanid (prussic 
acid), potassium cyanid, also gelsemium and its alka¬ 
loid gelsemin, etc.; “Depressants (neurotics producing 
marked depression of the heart’s action),” in which he 
includes digitalis and its active principle digitalin, 
tobacco and its alkaloid nicotin, lobelia, colchicin, 
white hellebore and green hellebore and veratrine; “As¬ 
phyxiants (noxious gases, producing neurotic symp¬ 
toms by means of blood poisoning),” in which he in¬ 
cludes carbon monoxid, carbon dioxid (carbonic acid 
gas), hydrogen sulphid (sulphuretted hydrogen), and 
the so-called “coal gas;” “Abortives (substances pro¬ 
ducing abortion),” in which he includes ergot of rye, 
savin and its oil, oil of tansy, the yew, and extract of 
cotton root. 

To the foregoing, Taylor adds the following in the 
appendix of his book: 

I. “ Bites of venomous reptiles/’ with chief ref¬ 
erence to the bites of such serpents as the cobra of 
India, the adder (or common viper) of England, the 
brown and black snake of Australia, also the tiger 
snake, the rattlesnake, the copperhead, etc. 

II. “Bites of rabid animals,” such as mad dogs, 
etc. 

III. “ The stings of bees, etc.,” including those 
of bees, wasps, hornets, scorpion, etc.; also the bites 
^ nuts and other insects. 


38 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ROBERT’S CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


I. Poisons Which Cause Coarse \natomical Changes of 

the Organs. 

A. Those which especially irritate the part to which they 
are applied. 

1. Acids. 

2. Caustic alkalies. 

3. Caustic salts, especially those of the heavy metals. 

4. Locally irritating organic substances, which neither can 

be classified as corrosive acids nor alkalies, nor as 
corrosive salts. Such are: Cantharidine, phrynine, 
and others in the animal kingdom, croton oil and 
savin in the vegetable kingdom; locally irritating 
colors, such as the aniline dyes. 

5. Gases and vapors which cause local irritation when 

breathed, such as ammonia, chlorine, iodine, bro¬ 
mine, and sulphur dioxide. 

B. Those which have but little effect locally, but change 
anatomically other parts of the body, such as lead, phosphorus 
and others. 


II. Blood Poisons. 

1 . Blood poisons interfering with the circulation in a 

purely physical manner, such as peroxide of hydro¬ 
gen, ricine, abrine. 

2. Poisons which have the property of dissolving the red 

blood corpuscle, such as the saponins. 

3. Poisons which, with or without primary solution of the 

red blood corpuscles, produce in the blood methae- 
moglobin, such as potassic chlorate, hydrazine, nitro¬ 
benzene, aniline, picric acid, carbon disulphide. 

4 . Poisons having a peculiar action on the coloring mat¬ 

ter of the blood, or on its decomposition products, 
such as hydric sulphide, hydric cyanide, and the 
cyanides and carbon monoxide. 


III. Poisons Which Kill Without the Production op 
Coarse Anatomical Change. 

1. Poisons affecting the cerebro-spinal system, such as 

chloroform, ether, nitrous oxide, alcohol, chloral, 
cocaine, atropine, morphine, nicotine, coniine, aconi¬ 
tine, strychnine, curarine, and others. 

2. Heart poisons, such as digitalis, helleborin. muscarine. 


THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


39 


IV. Poisonous Products of Tissue Change. 

1. Poisonous albumin. 

2. Poisons developed in food. 

3. Auto-poisoning, e.g., uraemia, glycosuria, oxaluria. 

4. The more important products of tissue change, such 

as fatty acids, oxyacids, amido-fatty acids, amines, 
diamines, and ptomaines. 

CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS ACCORDING TO THE 
MOST PROMINENT SYMPTOMS.—(Blyth.) 

A. Poisons Causing Death Immediately, or in a Few 

Minutes. 

There are but few poisons which destroy life in a few min¬ 
utes. Omitting the strong mineral acids, carbon monoxide, 
carbon dioxide, with the irrespirable gases, prussic acid, the 
cyanides, oxalic acid and occasionally strychnine are the chief 
poisons coming under this head. 

B. Irritant Poisons (Symptoms Mainly Pain, Vomiting and 

Purging.) 

Arsenic, antimony, phosphorus, cantharides, savin, ergot, 
digitalis, colchicum, zinc, mercury, lead, copper, silver, iron, 
baryta, chrome, yew, laburnum, and putrid animal substances. 

C. Irritant and Narcotic Poisons (Symptoms Those of an 

Irritant Nature, With the Addition of More or Less Pro¬ 
nounced Cerebral Indications.) 

To this class more especially belong oxalic acid and the 
oxalates, with several poisons belonging to the purely nar¬ 
cotic class, but which produce occasionally irritant effects. 

D. Poisons More Especially Affecting the Nervous 

System. 

1 . Narcotics (chief symptom insensibility, which may be 
preceded by more or less cerebral excitement), opium, chloral, 
chloroform. 

2. Deliriants (delirium for the most part a prominent symp¬ 
tom), belladonna, hyoscyamus, stramonium, with others of 
the solanacese, to which may be added poisonous fungi, In¬ 
dian hemp, lolium temulentum, senanthe, crocata, and camphor. 

3. Convulsives. Almost every poison has been known to 
produce convulsive effects, but the only true convulsive poi¬ 
sons are the alkaloids of the strychnos class. 

4. Complex Nervous Phenomena. Aconite, digitalis, 
hemlock, calabar bean* tobacco, lobelia inflata, and curara. 


40 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Analyst Blyth, of England, states his views, re¬ 
garding the best classification of poisons, as follows : 

“I have preferred an arrangement which, as far as possible, 
follows the order in which a chemical expert would search 
for an unknown poison, hence an arrangement partly chemical 
and partly symptomatic. First, the chief gases which figure 
in the mortality statistics are treated, and then follow in order 
other poisons.” 

A chemist given a liquid to examine would naturally test 
first its reaction, and, if strongly alkaline or strongly acid, 
would at once direct his attention to the mineral acids or to 
:he alkalies. In other cases he would proceed to separate 
/olatile matters from those that were fixed, lest substances 
such as prussic acid, chloroform, alcohol, and phosphorus be 
dissipated or destroyed by his subsequent operations. 

Distillation over, the alkaloids, glucosides, and their allies 
would next be naturally sought, since they can be extracted 
by alcoholic and ethereal solvents in such a manner as in no 
way to interfere with an after-search for metals. 

The metals are last in the list, because by suitable treat¬ 
ment, after all organic substances are destroyed, either by 
actual fire or powerful chemical agencies, even the volatile 
metals may be recovered. The metals are arranged very 
nearly in the same order as that in which they would be sep¬ 
arated from a solution, viz., according to their behavior to 
hydric and ammoniac sulphides. 

There are a few poisons, of course, such as the oxalates of 
the alkalies, which might be overlooked, unless sought for 
specially, but it is hoped that this is no valid objection to the 
arrangement suggested, which, in greater detail, is as follows: 

A. Poisonous Gases. 

Carbon monoxide; Chlorine; Hydric sulphide. 

B. Acids and Alkalies. 

1. Sulphuric acid; 2. Hydrochloric acid; 3. Nitric acid; 
4. Potash; 5. Soda; 6- Ammonia; 7. Neutral sodium, potas¬ 
sium, and ammonium salts. 

In nearly all cases of death from any of the above, the 
analyst, from the symptoms observed during life, from the 
surrounding circumstances, and from the pathological appear¬ 
ances and evident chemical reactions of the fluids submitted, 
is put at once on the right track, and has no difficulty in cb 
taining decided results. 


THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


41 


C. Poisonous Substances Capable of Being Separated by 
Distillation From Either Neutral or Acid Liquids. 

L Hydrocarbons; 2. Camphor; 3. Alcohols; 4. Amyl- 
nitrite; 5. Chloroform and other anaesthetics; 6. Carbon di¬ 
sulphide; 7. Carbolic acid; 8. Nitro-benzene; 9. Prussic acid; 
10 . Phosphorus. 

The volatile alkaloids, which may also be readily distilled by 
strongly alkalizing the fluid, because they admit of a rather 
different mode of treatment, are not included in this class. 


D. Alkaloids and Poisonous Vegetables Principles Sep¬ 
arated for the Most Part by Alcoholic Solvents. 

Division I.—Vegetable Alkaloids. 

1. Liquid volatile, alkaloids, alkaloids of hemlock, nicotine, 
piturie, sparteine, aniline; 2. The opium group of alkaloids; 
3. The strychnine or tetanic group of alkaloids, strychnine, 
brucine, igasurine; 4. The aconite group of alkaloids; 5. The 
mydriatic group of alkaloids, atropine, hyoscyamine, solanin, 
cytisine; 6. The alkaloids of the veratrines; 7. Physostigmine; 
8 . Pilocarpine; 9. Taxine; 10. Curarine; 1L Colchicin; 
12 . Muscarine and the active principles of certain fungi. 

There would, perhaps, have been an advantage in arranging 
several of the individual members somewhat differently, e.g., a 
group might be made of poisons which, like pilocarpine and 
muscarine, are antagonistic to atropine; and another group 
suggests itself, the physiological action of which is the oppo¬ 
site of the strychnos class. Solanin (although classed as a 
mydriatic and put near to atropine), has much of the nature 
of a glucoside, and the same may be said of colchicin, so 
that, if the classification were made solely on chemical grounds, 
solanin would have followed colchicin, and thus have marked 
the transition from the alkaloids to the glucosides. 


Division II. — Glucosides. 

1 . The digitalis group; 2. Other poisonous glucosides acting 
on the heart; 3. Saponin. 

The glucosides, when fairly pure, are easily recognized; 
they are destitute of nitrogen, neutral in reaction, and split 
up into sugar and other compounds when submitted to the 
action of saponifying agents, such as boiling with dilute min¬ 
eral acick' 


42 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Division III. — Certain Poisonous Anhydrides of the Organic 

A cids. 

1. Santonin; 2 . Mezerein. 

It is probable that this class will in a few years be extended, 
for several other organic anitrogenous poisons exist, which, 
when better known, will most likely prove to be anhydrides. 

Division IV.—Various Vegetable Poisonous Principles, Not 
Admitting of Classification Under the Previous Three 
Divisions. 

Ergot, picrotoxin, the poison of illicium religiosum, cicu- 
toxin, sethusa cynapium, cenanthe crocata, croton oil, savin 
oil, the toxalbumins of castor oil, and abrus. 

The above division groups together various miscellaneous 
toxic principles, none of which can at present be satisfactorily 
classified. 

E. Poisons Derived From Living or Dead Animal 

Substances. 

Division I.—Poisons Secreted by the Living. 

1. Poisonous amphibia; 2. Poison of the scorpion; 3. Poison¬ 
ous fish; 4. Poisonous insects, spiders, wasps, bees, beetles, 
etc.; 5. Snake poison. 

Division II.—Poisons Formed in Dead Animal Matters. 

1. Ptomaines; 2 . Poisoning by putrid or changed foods— 
sausage poisoning. 

F. The Oxalic Acid Group. 

G. Inorganic Poisons. 

Division I. —Precipitated from a hydrochloric acid solution 
by hydric sulphide—precipitate, yellow or orange. 

Arsenic, antimony, cadmium. 

Division II. —Precipitated by hydric sulphide in hydrochloric 
acid solution—black. Lead, copper, bismuth, silver, mercury. 

Division III. —Precipitated from a neutral solution by 
hydric sulphide. Zinc, nickel, cobalt. 

Division IV. —Precipitated by ammonia sulphide. 

Iron, chromium, thallium, aluminium. 

Division V. —Alkaline earths. Barium. 

Victor C. Vaughan classifies poisons into: 

(1) Mineral.—(a) metallic poisons, (b) acids, (c) alkalies 
and (d) inorganic gases. 

( 2 ) Vegetable.— (a) alkaloids, (b) organic acids, (c) poL 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS. 


43 


sonous glucosids, and ( d ) poisonous vegetable proteins. 

(3) Synthetic.— 

(4) Animal.—The venom of serpents, the secretion of cer¬ 
tain fishes, the poisonous leukomains, etc. 

(5) Bacterial.—As “the toxins of diphtheria, tetanus and 

certain other infectious diseases. The bacterial poisons may 
be divided into: (a) basic poisonous products, or the pto- 
mains, ( b ) the so-called bacterial toxins, and (c) the protein 
poisons.” _ 

R. A. Witthaus classifies poisons in two ways: 
one an analytical classification, somewhat different 
from most authors; the other a natural classification 
based chiefly upon the origin. His analytical one is : 

“I. Gaseous Poisons: Carbon monoxid, hydrogen sulfid, sul¬ 
fur dioxid. 

II. Volatile Poisons, separable from mixtures by mere dis¬ 
tillation with or without vapor of water and from acid neutral 
or alkaline liquids: Alcohol, chloroform, hydrocyanic acid, 
ammonia and its derivatives, phosphorus, etc. 

III. Acids, Alkalies, and Salts: Mineral poisons and cor¬ 
rosives, which are best separated by extraction with water. 
Mineral acids and alkalies and certain soluble metallic salts. 

IV. Organic Poisons: Substances which do not withstand 
the action of powerful reagents and which are extracted from 
the mixtures in which they exist by neutral solvents or by 
dilute acids, either applied directly or in agitation methods 
with immiscible solvents—vegetable acids, glucosids, alka¬ 
loids, and bitter principles, and animal poisons. 

V. Mineral poisons: Substances of sufficient stability to 
permit of their separation by the decomposition and removal 
of the organic substances with which they may be mixed, 
followed by the usual methods of mineral analysis, somewhat 
modified to meet the requirements of the case.” 

His other natural group classification is: 

“I. Corrosives: Substances which act chemically upon the 
tissues with which they are brought into immediate contact— 
Mineral acids, alkalies, halogens, etc. 

II. Poisons: Substances which act after entrance into the 
circulation, followed by solution in the blood or chemical 
action upon the blood itself. 

A. Mineral Poisons: Arsenic, antimony, phosphorus, the 
salts of copper, lead, mercury, etc. 

B. Vegetable Poisons: Vegetable acids, alkaloids, bitter 
principles, glucosids, etc. 

C. Animal Poisons: Leukomains, ptomains, toxins, tox- 
albumins. 

D. Synthetic Poisons: Chloroform, alcohol, chloral, phenol, 
antipyrin, etc.” 



44 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


PROMPT TREATMENT FOR POISONING, 

When symptoms and circumstances indicate that 
a poison has been taken, the following course should 
be pursued: 

1. If there is a known chemical antidote and 
it is at hand, use it at once (either alone or in con¬ 
junction with an evacuant), and in sufficient quan¬ 
tity to thoroughly neutralize the poison. 

If the chemical antidote is not known or not at 
hand and it is believed no corrosive poison strong 
enough to produce a prohibitive caustic effect, 
has been taken, or the patient is not in a condi¬ 
tion of extreme exhaustion, at once evacuate the 
stomach (i. e., resort to 2). Or where evacuation 
is impossible or improper, promptly employ such 
mechanical, antidotes as will coat the walls of 
the stomach, etc., mechanically suspend the poi¬ 
son, or remove the latter by catharsis. 

2. In absence of prohibitive caustic action of 
poison, inflammation, or extreme exhaustion, 
evacuate and wash out stomach by means of stom¬ 
ach-tube, stomach pump, or emetics, and warm water. 
If a chemical antidote is now for the first time 
convenient, employ it. Demulcents should usu¬ 
ally be employed after evacuation of stomach. 

3. Use the proper antagonist to counteract the 
effects of any of the poison which may have been 
absorbed. (If the patient is not treated promptly 
after the poisoning, it may be advisable to at once 
resort to the physiological antidote (antagonist). 

Also encourage the natural processes of removal 
(i. e., urination, perspiration, etc.). 

4. Employ the proper antagonistic measures 
to stimulate flagging organic functions. 

ANTIDOTES. 

Mechanical and True Antidotes directly affect 
a poison either mechanically or chemically, or both, 
so as to remove it from the body, alter its character 
before absorption, or hinder absorption, and thus pre- 


MECHANICAL ANTIDOTES. 


45 


vent itspoisonousaction upon the system. They act in 
the respiratory passages or alimentary canal and may 
be employed for vegetable, animal or mineral poisons. 

Mechanical Antidotes include: use of stomach tube 
or pump; employment of Emetics, Cathartics, Demul¬ 
cents, Injections, Ligatures, Poultices, Washes, etc. 

Chemical Antidotes include: Oils, Soap, Milk, 
Acids, Albumin, Alkalies, Charcoal, Carbonates, 
Hydrates, Sulphates, Iodine, Potassium, Permanga¬ 
nate, Sodium Chloride, Starch, Tannic Acid, Tur¬ 
pentine, preparations of Iron, etc. 

Physiological Antidotes are antagonists and act 
directly upon the functions, counteracting effects. 

MECHANICAL ANTIDOTES. 

THE STOMACH TUBE AND THE STOMACH PUMP. 

When active measures are to be employed to 
evacuate the stomach, this is most readily accom¬ 
plished by means of the stomach tube (Figs, i and 
?), the stomach pump (Fig. 3), or by emetics. 



The stomach tube (with or without an exhaust 
bulb) is introduced into the stomach by forcibly keep¬ 
ing the poisoned person’s mouth open, by means of a 
gag, or other substance, and passing the tube down ; 
well to use the finger to guide it in the mouth. Avoid 
passing tube into windpipe in front of gullet. If 
spasm of gullet interferes with passage, apply cocaine 
ointment to tube. Sometimes necessary to intro¬ 
duce tube through nose instead of mouth. Tepid 
water may be introduced into the stomach through 
the funnel and tube, and by lowering the tube and 






















46 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


turning the funnel down, the stomach may be more 
or less emptied of fluid and poison by siphonage, 
or by using the exhaust bulb. 

Washing out process should be repeated until all 
poison apparently has been removed from stomach. 

Washing often advisable even after free vomiting 
as some poisons adhere to stomach walls. 

The proper antidote or emetic may frequently 
advantageously be dissolved in the water used. 

The stomach pump is a harsher, but sometimes 
more effective apparatus than the stomach tube. 

Although the stomach pump and stomach tube 
are so efficient and do not weaken the person as 
emetics do, yet neither should be used when there 
is severe corrosion of the stomach or esophagus, 
lest perforation result. Both may be difficult to 
use or inefficient when the poison is in a solid form 
(as meat, fish, etc.). 


EMETICS. 

Emetics are agents which produce vomiting. 
They may conveniently be divided into two classes: 
Local Emetics, and Systemic or General Emetics. 

Local Emetics produce their effects by their irri¬ 
tation of the terminal nerve filaments of the phar¬ 
ynx, esophagus or stomach. The emetic action 
results from a reflex stimulation of the vomiting 
center in the medulla oblongata. 

Systemic or General Emetics produce their 
effects through the medium of the circulation. The 
emetic action is due to a direct stimulation and irri¬ 
tation of the vomiting center in the medulla. 

LOCAL EMETICS. 

Alum —a tablespoonful in water, syrup or honey. 
(Unreliable.) 

Ammonium Carbonate —30 grs. or more in water. 

Copper Sulphate —10 grains in water in one 
dose; or 3 to 6 grains every 15 minutes until acts. 

Mustard —2 to 4 teaspoonfuls in a cupful of warm 
water, stirred to a cream. (Good and stimulating). 


MECHANICAL ANTIDOTES. 


47 


Olive Oil, Melted Fats, Soapsuds, Vaseline, etc. 

—freely. 

(Fats and Oils and substances containing- them 
are contra-indicated in poisoning by Cantharides, 
Carbolic Acid, Copper Salts, or Phosphorus, be¬ 
cause fats and oils facilitate the absorption of these 
poisons.) 

Quassia and other vegetable bitters —in strong 
infusion as a drink. 

Sodium Chloride —(common salt) 2 teaspoonfuls 
or more in a cupful of water. (Frequently effective). 

(Sodium Chloride is contra-indicated in poison¬ 
ing by Tartar Emetic, or Mercuric Chloride. Also 
do not give it after Zinc Sulphate.) 

Tepid Water —in quantity freely, (4 to 8 glasses). 

Tickling Throat with feather or finger. (Good). 

Yellow Mercuric Sulphate (Turpeth Mineral) — 
2 to 5 grains. (Unsafe unless it vomits.) 

Zinc Sulphate —10 to 30 grains in a wineglassful 
of water; repeat if necessary. Or 30 grains in 2 ounces 
of water, giving a tablespoonful every 10 to 20 min¬ 
utes until effective. Children 5 grains. (This is 
the best emetic.) It is prompt and safe, but do not 
give it after giving salt and water. 

SYSTEMIC OR GENERAL EMETICS: 

Antimony, Wine of —An ounce or more in water. 

Apomorphine Hydrochlorate— gr. 1/16 to yi, 
hypodermically when the use of emetics by the mouth 
is prevented by narcosis or otherwise. By giving 
Strychnine with it lessen depressive effects. 

Emetine —gr. y 12 to %. 

Ipecac, Fluid Extract of — Y 4 to I teaspoonful. 

Ipecacuanha, Pulverized —15 to 30 grains or more 
in water, repeated in 10 or 15 minutes. Does not ir¬ 
ritate the mucous membrane of the stomach. 

Ipecac, Syrup of —1 to 4 teaspoonfuls, or a tea¬ 
spoonful every 10 minutes until vomiting is produced. 

Ipecac, Wine of—1 or 2 tablespoonsfuls in water, 
(Slow and unsatisfactory). 

Squill, Syrup of—A teaspoonful. 


48 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Squill, Compound Syrup of— 54 to >4 teaspoonful. 

Tartar Emetic —1 to 3 grains. Children y 2 grain 
(Slow and depressing). 

In poisoning it is better to use almost any emetic 
at once than to lose valuable time getting just the 
right emetic. Some persons vomit very readily, 
others with the greatest of difficulty. Some vomit 
from a drink of tepid, greasy or dirty water, with 
or without the introduction of the fingers into the 
throat. In narcotic poisoning it is frequently very 
difficult to induce vomiting. It is sometimes de¬ 
sirable to give a combined emetic. May begin 
with a tablespoonful of mustard in a small tumbler¬ 
ful of water and follow soon after with Zinc Sul¬ 
phate 30 grains, and powdered Ipecacuanha 30 
grains, mixed in water. 

The action of an emetic is aided by giving plenty 
of tepid water. Emetics are contra-indicated when 
there is a severe corrosion of the alimentary canal 
or an abdominal inflammation. 

CATHARTICS. 

Cathartics are agents which produce intestinal 
evacuations. They include Castor Oil, Croton Oil, 
Magnesium Sulphate, Senna, Sodium Phosphate, 
etc. They are generally used after a chemical anti¬ 
dote to remove from the intestinal canal the com¬ 
pounds formed by such antidote. 

Castor Oil protects the mucous membrane and 
interferes with absorption, but should not be used 
in poisoning by Cantharides, Carbolic Acid, Copper 
Salts or Phosphorus, absorption of which it seems 
to aid. 

Croton Oil is rapid and active in a 1 to 5 minim 
dose in bread pill. 

Magnesium Sulphate is useful in doses of to 4 
ounces, in water. Sodium Sulphate in same doses. 

Such cathartics as Senna and Gamboge are 
often the best ones for narcotic poisoning. 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


49 


DEMULCENTS. 

Demulcents are substances which soothe and 
protect the parts to which they are applied. They 
include Almond, Olive, and other bland Oils, Aca¬ 
cia, Barley, Cetraria, Elm, Figs, Flaxseed, Gelatin, 
Glycerine, Honey, Isinglass, Liquorice Root, Marsh¬ 
mallow Root, Starch, Tragacanth, and White of 
Egg, each with or without water. 

CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 

OILS, ALBUMIN, TANNIN, ETC. 

Oils and Fats (almond, cotton seed, linseed and 
olive oils, melted butter, lard, etc.). Oils and fats 
are useful against the corrosive acids and alkalies, 
metallic oxides and salts; they are, however, con¬ 
sidered to be contra-indicated in poisoning by Can- 
tharis, Carbolic Acid, Creosote, Copper Salts and 
Phosphorus, because they encourage the absorp¬ 
tion of these poisons. Oils and fats unite with the 
caustic alkalies to form soaps; thus liberating gly¬ 
cerine. As antidotes to the metallic salts they are 
not as good as albumin. As antidotes to the alkalies 
they are inferior to acids, owing to their slow 
action. 

Soap (Castile Soap, etc.). Castile soap dissolved 
in four times its bulk of hot water to form “suds,” 
and administered by the cupful, is an excellent 
antidote for corrosive acids and metallic salts, par¬ 
ticularly Corrosive Sublimate, Potassium Bichro¬ 
mate, and Tin and Zinc Salts; but Albumin is 
better for these last two. Soap is better than caus¬ 
tic alkalies for acids, because it has no corrosive 
action. It should not be used as an antidote to 
alkalies. 

Albumin. —An excellent Chemical Antidote, form¬ 
ing Compounds, more or less inert with most of 
the corrosive alkalies, metallic salts, mineral acids. 
Anilin, Bromine, Chlorine. Creosote, Iodine, and 
with alcoholic solutions of most of the alkaloids. 


50 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


It is particularly valua-ble as an antidote to inor¬ 
ganic poisons and a good application for the bites 
and stings of insects. 

Albumin should be well diluted when used (the 
white of one egg, or sometimes the whites of four 
eggs, to one quart of tepid water). It is important 
to follow it first by an emetic and then by a cathartic 
inasmuch as many of its compounds are soluble in 
an excess of albumin, or in acid or alkaline solutions. 

Milk. —The antidotal action of milk is similar to 
that of albumin and due to its albumin, casein and 
free alkali. Milk is a good substitute for albumin, 
and especially suitable for metallic salts, corrosive 
acids and alkalies (particularly Ammonia), and the 
alkaline earths. Owing to the fat in milk it is to 
be avoided when fatty antidotes are contra-indi¬ 
cated, except in poisoning by Phenol. 

White of egg and milk together are good antidotes 
to iodic preparations and Phenol. 

Acids, Inorganic. —Diluted Sulphuric Acid ^ 
drachm mixed in water is used as an antidote to the 
soluble salts of Barium and Lead, forming in¬ 
soluble Sulphates. It is also used to prevent ab¬ 
sorption of lead in Lead Poisoning. 

Acids, Organic. —Acetic Acid (such as vinegar), 
Citric Acid (such as lemon, lime, or orange juice), 
and Tartaric Acid in water are used as antidotes 
to the alkalies and the alkaline carbonates. 

Ammonia (diluted), by inhalation, is an excellent 
antidote to the vapors of corrosive acids and Nitro- 
benzol, Formaldehyde, and to Bromine, Chlorine, 
and Hydrocyanic Acid, also to relieve the stupor 
of alcoholic poisoning. 

Ammonium Carbonate, by hypodermic injection 
(in 5 grain doses in aqueous solution), in the 
vicinity of a wound through which arrow poison 
has entered the body, is very efficient against such 
poison. Locally applied it is also very efficient in 
the bites of venomous serpents and insects. Taken 
internally it is capable of promptly suspending a 
high degree of alcoholism. Calcium Hydrate and 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


51 


Carbonate (Lime Water, powdered chalk mixed 
with water (Mistura Cretae), egg shells, pulverized 
oyster shells, etc.) may advantageously be em¬ 
ployed as an antidote to neutralize Oxalic Acid and 
the Acid Oxalates and convert them into insoluble 
Calcium Oxalate. 

Charcoal (powdered) has an antidotal action 
against many alkaloids, metallic salts and Phos¬ 
phorus, and apparently against Opium, Nux Vom¬ 
ica, and Aconite, delaying the poisonous action and 
effects of all of them. It may either absorb the 
poison or protect the walls of the stomach. It ab¬ 
sorbs gases but does not form a fixed compound 
with any mineral or vegetable poison. Fresh Ani¬ 
mal Charcoal is preferable to wood charcoal, and is 
used in tablespoonful doses, frequently repeated. 
It should be followed by an emetic or the stomach-tube. 

Alcohol. —Concentrated alcohol has a dehydrating ef¬ 
fect upon animal tissues with which it comes in contact. 
It is considered a valuable antidote in Carbolic Acid poi¬ 
soning. Four ounces of Alcohol in as much or more wa¬ 
ter may be administered repeatedly, each time removing 
it by means of the stomach-tube; or Apomorphine may 
be given hypodermically, to empty the stomach, and to 
prevent acute alcoholism. Magnesium Sulphate 
or Sodium Sulphate in i to 2 ounce doses in water 
should then be given. A half pint or more of 
brandy or whiskey may be substituted for the alcohol 
and water. Although alcohol is so applicable to ser¬ 
pent poisoning it is not a direct antidote to it. As 
a heart stimulant in certain kinds of poisoning alco¬ 
hol is invaluable, but should be avoided in case of 
injury to the brain, or excessive cardiac action. 

Ether has been extensively employed as a stimu¬ 
lant, in the collapse of Opium and Chloral poisoning, 
in fifteen minim doses hypodermically injected (not 
deeply) and repeated as often as necessary. 

Chlorine, employed externally in the form of 
Chlorine Water, Labarraques’ Solution (a solution 
of Sodium Hypochlorite), or Javelle Water (a solu¬ 
tion of Potassium Hypochlorite), is a good antidotal 


52 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


wash for snake-bite, insect stings, and other pois¬ 
oned wounds; it may be employed internally when 
well diluted, as an antidote to alkaloids and other 
vegetable and animal poisons; may also be inhaled 
as a spray, as an antidote against coal gas (Car¬ 
bonic Oxide), Ammonia, Phosphoretted and Sul¬ 
phuretted Hydrogen, and Hydrocyanic Acid. 
Sodium Hyposulphite is the antidote to the Chlor¬ 
ine and Iodine solutions. 

Copper Sulphate, as an emetic, may be given in 
doses of three or four grains or more in water, 
until vomiting occurs. It is more irritating than 
Zinc Sulphate and hence acts more readily. If it 
fails to act it must be promptly removed (by stom¬ 
ach tube or otherwise) or it will cause local in¬ 
flammation. In Phosphorus poisoning Copper 
Sulphate is of special application, as it is supposed 
to coat the particles of Phosphorus, primarily with 
a layer of Copper Phosphide, secondarily with 
Copper itself, thus preventing the solution of the 
Phosphorus particles in the stomach fluids. 

Gelatin is an antidote to the Alums, Bromine, 
and Iodine. The chief objection to it is that it 
has to be broken up, soaked in water half an hour 
and reduced to a fine consistency. It has a sooth¬ 
ing effect upon irritated mucous membranes. 

Gluten is sometimes employed as an antidote to 
Corrosive Sublimate, but it is not readily procured 
nor as efficient as Albumin. 

Gum Arabic in the form of mucilage is chiefly 
serviceable as a protective in the alimentary canal, 
against irritant or corrosive poisons. It is also 
used as an antidote to the Bismuth salts. 

Iodine, well diluted, is sometimes given as an 
antidote to the alkaloids and their salts, to other 
vegetable poisons and to snake venom. It is one of 
the most reliable applications to wounds made by 
venomous serpents and rabid animals. All Iodine 
compounds are more or less soluble and poisonous 
and must on this account be promptly removed from 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


53 


the system. The following antidote (Bouchardat’s) 
for vegetable poisons is considered very good: 

Iodine, 3 grains; Potassium Iodine, 30 grains; 
Distilled Water, 11 ounces; mix. Dose, ip2 to 3 
ounces, frequently repeated. 

Iron —Ferri Oxidum Hydratum (Hydrated Fer¬ 
ric Oxide), also Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum 
Magnesia (the Official Arsenic Antidote), Ferrum 
Oxidatum Saccharatum, Dialyzed Iron and the basic 
Ferric Acetate are all used as antidotes to Arsenic 
poisoning to form Ferric or Magnesium Arsenite. 

•The union of Iron with the salts of Arsenic is 
limited, even though the Iron be in great excess. 
A better action is obtained if a small amount of 
Ammonia or other caustic alkali is added to it, or 
if the basic Ferric Acetate is mixed with it. 

Ferri Oxidum Hydratum — Ferric Hydroxide 
(Hydrate), Hydrated Oxide of Iron—is a chemical 
antidote for Arsenous Acid and the Arsenites with 
which it combines to form a ferric arsenite and also 
acts locally as a protector of the mucous mem¬ 
brane of the alimentary canal. It is a reddish- 
brown, smooth magma, entirely soluble, without 
effervescence, in Acetic Acid. When required for 
use it should be freshly prepared by mixing to¬ 
gether Solution of Ferric Sulphate 100 parts, Am¬ 
monia Water no parts, and water enough to make 
250 parts. The solution of Ferric Sulphate and the 
Ammonia Water should be kept on hand in separate 
bottles all ready for mixing, 200 Cc. of the first 
and 220 Cc. of the latter. When mixed together 
in these proportions a precipitate forms which may 
be washed by pressing it in a wet muslin strainer 
until no more liquid passes, then suspending it in 
250 parts of water. The dose is a teaspoonful in 
water, repeated every 5 or 10 minutes.* 


* Although such is in accordance with the U. S. P. direction, it would 
seem desirable and more convenient for the solutions to be made of such 
strength that a mixture of equal volumes of them would cause them to 
neutralize each other. 



54 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum Magnesia (Ferric 

Hydrate with Magnesia, Arsenic Antidote), dose, 
a teaspoonful in water, repeated every 5 or 10 min¬ 
utes, is a more convenient and better arsenic anti¬ 
dote than the preceding preparation. In this the 
excess of the alkaline precipitant is not an irritant 
and is itself an antidote to Arsenic, 

The following solutions (1 and 2) should be 
kept on hand: 

No. 1. Solution of Ferric Sulphate 50 cc., in 
water 100 cc. 

No. 2. Magnesia (Magnesium Oxide), 10 
grammes, rubbed up with water 750 cc., in a bottle 
of 1000 cc. capacity. When the preparation is re¬ 
quired, shake No. 2 to a homogeneous magma and 
add it gradually to No. 1, after which shake them 
together to a uniform smooth mixture. This 
should be given in large doses of an ounce or more, 
and frequently repeated. 

Sesqui-Oxide of Iron (freshly prepared), made 
by precipitating Tincture of Perchloride of Iron 
with Sodium Carbonate and filtering through a 
cloth, may be given as an antidote to Arsenic. It 
should be freely administered in hot water. 

Dialyzed Iron may be given in ounce doses or less, 
frequently repeated, for the same purpose. 

Magnesia (Calcined Magnesia; Magnesium Ox¬ 
ide; Mg. O.). Magnesia mixed with twenty-five 
times its weight of warm water gelatinizes, be¬ 
coming suited to antidotal use. It may be given in 
13/2 to 2 ounce doses of such mixture, frequently at 
first, then after a few doses less often. An excess 
merely acts as a cathartic. Magnesium Oxide is 
better than Magnesium Carbonate as an antidote 
to the acids, because of the production of Carbon 
Dioxide, which might injure the stomach by its ex¬ 
pansive action. Magnesia is one of the best anti¬ 
dotes against the acids and the acid salts, in¬ 
cluding even Oxalic Acid, and the Acid Oxalates, 
if the Calcium antidotes are not at hand. It is 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


55 


also a good antidote in poisoning by Arsenic, Phos¬ 
phorus, Mercury, Corrosive Sublimate, and other 
metallic salts. With most of these it forms in¬ 
soluble compounds; with the mineral acids its value 
is chiefly due to its power to neutralize them; by 
alkalinizing the stomach contents it hinders the ab¬ 
sorption of alkaloids. 

Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt), and Sodium 
Sulphate (Glauber Salt) are soluble Sulphates and 
especially efficient in poisoning by Carbolic Acid 
or by the salts of Barium or of Lead. With the 
last two they form insoluble Sulphates. With Car¬ 
bolic Acid they apparently do not form a Sulpho- 
carbolate of Magnesium or of Sodium in the stom¬ 
ach, but encourage elimination of the Carbolic Acid 
after it has been absorbed. Sodium Sulphate 
seems to be superior to Magnesium Sulphate as an 
eliminative in poisoning by Carbolic Acid. These 
salts should be administered in l / 2 to 2 ounce (or 1 
to 2 tablespoonful) doses in water, repeated at fre¬ 
quent intervals, and a pint or more of a solution 
one-fourth that strength should be left in the stom¬ 
ach, after repeated lavage, to be absorbed and 
wholly neutralize the absorbed Carbolic Acid. Car¬ 
bolic Acid appears in the urine as Potass-Phenyl- 
Sulphate, not as a Sulpho-Carbolate, and when no 
soluble sulphate has been given. 

Potassium Ferrocyanide is efficient as an anti¬ 
dote to the Copper salts, and may be given in 5 
to 30 grain doses in water to form the brown, in¬ 
soluble cupric ferrocyanide. Albumin, however, is 
just as good and as a rule more convenient, and safer. 

Potassium Permanganate. — If Potassium Per¬ 
manganate be administered promptly, before absorp¬ 
tion of the poison has taken place, it is the best anti¬ 
dote to all organic poisons, inasmuch as it rapidly 
destroys them by oxidation. It has been claimed that 
this result is secured not only when the Permanga¬ 
nate encounters the poison by direct contact with it 
in the stomach, but also after both poison and anti- 


56 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


dote have been absorbed into the circulation; but 
the latter claim has not been satisfactorily sub¬ 
stantiated. Potassium Permanganate is particu¬ 
larly applicable to Eserine (Physostigmine), 
Opium, Phosphorus, Morphine, and Strychnine 
salts, in the stomach. As an antidote to organic 
poisons in general, it should be given in 3 to 4 
grain doses in about 4 ounces of water, every half 
hour until four or more doses have been taken. 
As an antidote to Morphine or its salts, 10 to 15 
grains may be dissolved in V2 to 1 pint of water 
and given. It is common to repeat the dose every 
half hour until three or four doses have been 
taken. When the poisoning is by Laudanum a few 
drops of Dilute Sulphuric Acid or two teaspoonfuls 
of Dilute Acetic Acid or white vinegar should be 
added to the antidote. Potassium Permanganate 
is promptly decomposed by Alcohol, and by the 
usual stomach contents, urine, etc. So organic mat¬ 
ter in stomach may interfere. Locally, this antidote 
is good in snake poison, in a one per cent, solution, 
by hypodermic injection about the wound, if applied 
promptly before absorption of the venom. 

Potassium Bicarbonate and the Carbonate, So¬ 
dium Bicarbonate and the Carbonate, may be used 
as antidotes to most of the poisonous metallic salts, 
particularly those of Zinc, which they immediately 
decompose, forming insoluble basic compounds. 
They are also used against Bromine, Iodine, and 
Potassium Bichromate. They form the neutral 
Chromate with Potassium Bichromate and harm¬ 
less salts with Iodine. They may be used in dilute 
solutions against non-concentrated acids, but 
should not be used against the concentrated min¬ 
eral acids, as they generate large volumes of Car¬ 
bon Dioxide which might distend and rupture the 
■eroded stomach. Chalk is inapplicable for the 
same reason. 

No alkaline Carbonates or Bicarbonates should 
be administered in poisoning by Oxalic Acid, as 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


57 


the resulting oxalates are soluble and almost as 
poisonous as the Acid itself. 

Potassium Iodide in 5 to 30 grain doses three times 
a day in chronic poisoning by Arsenic, Mercury, or 
Lead, or their salts, encourages their elimination. 

Sodium Chloride (common salt) is the best anti¬ 
dote against the silver salts, as it converts them into 
the insoluble Chloride of Silver. It should be given 
in dilute solution and may be combined with albumin, 
which is also good for the same purpose. A strong 
salt solution is employed as an antidote to the stings 
.and bites of insects. Two teaspoonfuls of salt in 
water frequently serves as an efficient emetic. (Also 
see Salt Sol. p. 118, No. 5.) Little’s Saline Solution: 
Sodium Chloride 1 drachm, Potassium Chlorate 6 
grains, Sodium Phosphate, 3 grains, Sodium Car¬ 
bonate, 20 grains, Alcohol, 2 drachms, Distilled 
Water 20 ounces; mix. “Blood lavage” (drawing 
off blood by bleeding, then infusing at least twice as 
much salt solution intravenously or otherwise) has 
been found serviceable in poisoning by illuminating 
gas, Potassium Chlorate, Amyl Nitrite, Nitrobenzol, 
Hydrocyanic Acid, etc. Avoid in edema,andnephritis. 

Sodium Hyposulphite (Sodium Thiosulphate) is 
an efficient antidote for Iodine, Potassium Iodide, 
Bleaching Powder (Calcium Hypochlorite), Labar- 
rac|lie’s Solution, and Javelle Water reducing them 
to chlorides and itself oxidizing into the Sulphate. 

Starch, made into paste by mixing one part of 
Starch with fifteen parts of hot water gradually 
added, is the antidote for Iodine and Bromine, pro¬ 
ducing compounds which are almost harmless. It has 
a slight antidotal action against corrosive acids, Cor¬ 
rosive Sublimate, Copper Sulphate, and Zinc Sul¬ 
phate. Wheaten flour is also a good antidote to the 
foregoing. Cooked Starch is more efficient than the 
raw Starch, but the delay necessary to procure the 
former is not warranted by the degree of superiority 
over the latter. In poisoning by Iodine preparations, 
free vomiting or lavage should be encouraged as long 


58 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


as the rejected liquid tinges blue a solution of Starch. 
The blue color which Starch strikes with Iodine 
offers the surest test for the presence of Iodine in 
the urine and other secretions of the body, after the 
Iodine has been set free by Chlorine Water and 
Nitric Acid. 

Iodide of Starch has been employed as an antidote 
to poisons in general, and in poisoning by the salts 
of Lead or Mercury it is thought to aid their elimi¬ 
nation. It is not an irritant and can be given in large 
doses but must be removed from the alimentary 
canal by emetics and cathartics. % 

Acid Tannic (Tannin) precipitates and forms 
Tannates with the alkaloids and their salts, with An¬ 
timony and Zinc compounds, and the glucosides. 
The Tannates are nearly insoluble, but not abso¬ 
lutely inactive, being somewhat soluble in dilute 
hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, also readily 
soluble in dilute alcohol; therefore use emetics and 
active purgatives for their prompt removal from the 
alimentary canal. Tannin renders Tartar Emetic 
harmless (but albumin does not) by forming an in¬ 
soluble Tannate of Antimony. Tannin should be 
given in doses of 20 grains in a coffee-cupful of water 
or as much as 45 grains in a pint of water every fif¬ 
teen minutes. By combining about ten per cent, of 
its weight of Iodine with it, its efficacy as an anti¬ 
dote to vegetable poisons is increased, but not over 
ten grains of such mixture should then be given. 
When Tannin is not at hand, use decoctions or in¬ 
fusions of Tea, Coffee, Nut-galls, Kino, Rhatany, 
Catechu, Oak, Willow or Cinchona barks, or other 
substances containing Tannin. 

Turpentine, Oil of. —Old, crude, resinified, and 
French Oil of Turpentine are antidotes against 
poisoning by Phosphorus, forming an almost in¬ 
soluble mass with it—the so-called Turpentine- 
Phosphoric Acid. The fresh, ordinary Oil of Turpen¬ 
tine is of doubtful value as an antidote to Phos¬ 
phorus poisoning, but Oil of Turpentine which has 


CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 


59 


long been exposed to the air and hence contains 
much oxygen is a very good antidote. One hundred 
times as much Oil of Turpentine should be given as 
there was Phosphorus taken; give it in hot water or 
alone (floated on the water or in capsules) immedi¬ 
ately after the Phosphorus is taken, or as soon there¬ 
after as possible; considered valueless if not given 
within twelve hours. Do not give it with an oil, 
soup, milk, white of egg or other albuminous sub¬ 
stance; nor should mucilaginous or alcoholic drinks 
be allowed with it; nothing but the capsule or hot 
water. If it cannot be determined what quantity of 
Phosphorus has been taken, the Oil of Turpentine 
may be given in four doses of p2 drachm (2 cc.) 
each, at 15 minute intervals. If the stomach will 
not retain the Turpentine inject it into the rectum, 
atomize it into the lungs, saturate the air of the 
room with its fumes, or rub it into the skin in the 
form of a liniment. The acid French Oil of Turpen¬ 
tine, forms a crystalline, spermaceti-like mass with 
the Phosphorus, and although an efficient antidote is 
soluble in Ether and Alcohol. 

Water may be given as an emetic, used tepid and 
in large quantities. Washing out the stomach with 
the stomach tube is now resorted to in nearly all 
cases of poisoning. However, in Sulphuric Acid 
poisoning the introduction of water, unless very 
copiously, is inadvisable, if much of the acid has 
been taken, as severe heat is evolved. In Oxalic 
Acid poisoning it is contra-indicated if it is possible 
the poison may have been taken in the solid form, as 
solution and absorption of the poison is favored by 
water; and otherwise an emetic may be given even in 
water if vomiting did not occur spontaneously, and 
the symptoms of corrosion have not been marked. 
In all cases in which a large dose of a concentrated 
corrosive poison has been taken, the stomach pump 
should not be employed. 


60 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


GENERAL ANTIDOTES WHEN THE NATURE OF THE 

POISON IS UNKNOWN. 

When the nature of the poison is unknown the 
following is a good and harmless antidote to 
most poisons, but of little or no value in poison¬ 
ing- by Antimony, caustic alkalies or Phosphorus: 

Equal parts of Magnesia, Charcoal (Wood), and 
the Hydrated Oxide of Iron, mixed and freely given 
in plenty of water. Two ounces of each to 12 ounces 
of water recommended by Jeannel. (The Magnesia is 
given to neutralize any acid that may be present. The 
Charcoal to precipitate or absorb any alkaloid. The Hy¬ 
drated Oxide of Iron to combine with any arsenical 
compound). On a similar basis, the following may 
be given: Magnesia, 1 tablespoonful; Tannic Acid, 

1 tablespoonful; Charcoal, 2 tablespoonfuls. Mix 
and give 1 teaspoonful, stirred in water, every 5 to 
15 minutes. Evacuate stomach soon after using this 
antidote. 

The following antidotal preparation delays the 
action of the salts of Copper, Morphine, and Strych¬ 
nine. It has also some effect on compounds of 
Mercury. It is a perfect antidote to Arsenic, Digi¬ 
talin, Zinc, etc., but it is of no value against Mer¬ 
curic Cyanide, Hydrocyanic Acid, the caustic alka¬ 
lies, Tartar Emetic, or Phosphorus. The prepara¬ 
tion is as follows: 

Liquor Ferri Sulphatis (specific gravity 1.45) 
2*/2 ounces kept in one bottle, Magnesia Calcinata 

2 ounces, Carbo Animalis 1 ounce, Aqua 20 ounces, 
mixed and kept in another bottle. When this anti¬ 
dote is required, the contents of the first bottle 
should be poured into the second bottle and the 
mixture thoroughly shaken. The dose of the mix¬ 
ture is iy 2 to 3 ounces. 

Reference must here again be made to Bou- 
chardat’s antidote for vegetable poisons, consisting 
of: Iodine, 3 grains; Potassium Iodide, 30 grains; 
Distilled Water, 11 ounces; mixed together. The 
dose is i l / 2 to 3 ounces, frequently repeated. 


PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTIDOTES, ETC. 60a 

PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTIDOTES AND MEASURES— 
THERAPEUTIC AGENTS 


AGENTS ACTING ON CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: 

(Stimulants): Alcohol, strychnin, (Act on spinal cord). Atropin, bella¬ 
donna, caffein, (Act on brain and medulla). (Depressants).— (Act as 
sensory paralyzants) : Chloroform, ether, ethyl chlorid, (Induce sleep, 
quiet, rest). Alcobol, asafetida, chloral and preparations, bromides, 
codein, morphin, opium and its preparations, camphor monobromate, 
hyoscin, paraldehyd, physostigma—(depresses cord), scopalamin, sumbul, 
sulphonal, trional, valerian, veronal, etc. 

ANESTHETICS (General): Chloroform, ether, nitrous oxide gas. 
(Local): Cocain (eucain, novocain, procain, etc.), ether, ethyl chloride, 
ice, menthol. 

ALIMENTARY SEDATIVES (Motor and Reflex): Gallic and 
tannic acids; belladonna; bismuth, calcium and opium preparations; 
delmulcents. 

ANODYNES AND ANALGESICS (Quiet pain): Acetanilid, 
aconite, alcohol, ammonia, aspirin, atropin, belladonna, bromides, camphor, 
chloral, chloralamid, chloroform, cocain, .codein, cold, cresol, hyoscin, 
Hoffman’s anodyne, hypnotics, lupulin, ether, ice, lysol, morphin, menthol, 
oil of wintergreen, opium, phenacetin, potassium and sodium salts and 
preparations, salicylic acid, soap, fixed oils, etc. 

ANT-ACIDS: Calcium and magnesium carbonates. Ammonium, 

lithium, sodium and potassium salts and preparations. Urotropin. 

ANTHELMINTICS: Aspidium, chenopodium, chloroform, calomel, 

pelletierin, purgatives, spigelia, salol, santonin, thymol, turpentine, etc. 

ANTI-EMETICS: Bismuth, camphor and sodium, preparations; 
cerium oxalate, cocain, camphor, calcium preparations, .cresol, chloral, 
chloroform, ingluvin, lime water, menthol, various opium preparations. 

ANTISEPTICS (Urinary, etc.). Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), ben¬ 
zoic, boric and salicylic acids; naphthalin, copaiba, cubeb, mecury salts, 
resorcin, lysol, phenol, hydrogen peroxide, iodoform, potassium per¬ 
manganate, salol (phenyl salicylate), sandalwood oil, sodium benzoate 
And sulphocarbolate, salicylates, thymol, urotropin, etc. 

ANTIPYRETICS: Acetanilid, antipyrin, aspirin, phenacetin; aconite, 
quinine, salicylic acid, salicylates, guaiacol, diaphoretics, diuretics, purga¬ 
tives, cold applications. 

ASTRINGENTS: Alcohol, alum, bismuth, copper, iron, lead and 
zinc preparations; kino, krameria, witch hazel, gallic and tannic acids. 

BiTTERS (Increase alimentary secretion): Gentian, cinchona and 
nux vomica preparations, etc. 

CARDIACS: Digitalis, strophanthus, (Strengthen contraction). 

Atropin, caffein, camphor, (Accelerate pulse). Aconite, digitalis, vera- 
trum, (Slow pulse). Infundin (pituitrin) (Slows and strengthens heart 
beat and increases blood pressure). 

CARMINATIVES: Alcohol, ammonia, menthol, peppermint, rhu¬ 
barb, spearmint, wintergreen, camphor, capsicum, cardamon, essential 
oils, ginger and other spices, etc. 

DEMULCENTS (For mucuous surfaces): Acacia, almond, barley, 
honey, soap, starch, licorice, egg, glycerin, fixed oils, milk certain 
pulpy fruits, moss, potassium chlorate, tragacanth, marshmallow, slip¬ 
pery elm, flaxseed, gelatin, etc. 

EM M E NAGOGU ES: (To encourage menstrual flow): Vegetable 
purgatives (especially the more drastic); corpus luteum. 

EMOLLIENTS (Skin remedies): Almond, lard, linseed, etc., oils; 
cacao butter, clay, glycerin, paraffin; petroleum preparations—albolene, 
lavolin, vaselin, etc.; bismuth, magnesium, talcum, zinc, etc., prepara- 


60 b 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


tions; fomentations; poultices of bran, bread, flour, figs, flaxseed and 
oatmeal; meat, molasses, soap, starch, etc. 

EYE AND SKIN ACTION AGENTS: 

To Dilate Pupil and Relax Accommodation: Atropin, belladonna, 
cocain, homatropin, scopolamin, hyoscin. 

To Contract Pupil and Ciliary Muscle: Physostigmin salicylate, pilo- 
carpin hydrochlorate, etc. 

To Increase Perspiration: Camphor, ipecac, morphin, opium, pilo- 
carpin, etc. 

To Reduce Perspiration: Agaricin, atropin, belladonna. 

GENITO-URINARY AGENTS: Genital: Analgesies, anodynes, ant¬ 
acids, antipyretics, antiseptics, astringents, calomel, demulcents, emollients, 
narcotics. Gonorrhoeal and syphilitic remedies.—arsenic, mercury, etc.; 
sedatives, etc. 

Urinary: Antacids—(To reduce acidity): Hexamethylenamin (uro- 
tropin), potassium acetate, bicarbonate and citrate; sodium bicarbonate 
and carbonate. 

Diuretics (Increase flow of urine): Acetates, carbonate, and citrates; 
caffein, calomel, digitalis, infundin (pituitrin), potassium and sodium 
salts, spartein, sulphate, squill, strophanthus, theobromin, water, etc. 

To Increase Hemoglobin: Iron, manganese, potassium permanganate. 

To Alkalinize: Alkaline acetates, .carbonates, bicarbonates, citrates. 

To Inc r ease Coagulability of Blood: Calcium salts; coagulose, serum 
of horse, or of human blood, etc. 

HEPATIC AGENTS —To Increase Secretion and Flow of Bile— 
(Cholagogues, etc.): Aloes, calomel, colocynth, jalap, podophyllum, rhu¬ 
barb, sodium phosphate and other salts, etc.—Salicylic acid, ox gall (fel 
bovis), etc. 

HYPNOTICS OR NARCOTICS: Alcohol bromides, cannahis 

Indioa, chloral and compounds, hyoscyamus, hyoscin, scopolamin hydro- 
bromid, opium, morphin—Dover’s powder, and various opium alkaloids 
and their preparations and combinations, etc.; paraldehyd, sulphonal, 
trional, veronal, etc. 

PURGATIVES: 

Mineral, Saline, Animal: Calomel, magnesium, potassium and sodium 
preparations; glycerin, mineral oil, ox gall, sulphur, petrolatum, phenol- 
phthalein, infundin (pituitrin) (increases intestinal peristalsis). 

Vegetable: Aloes, aloin, castor oil, olive oil, cascara, colocynth, croton 
oil, elaterium, jalap, podophyllum, rhubarb, sonna. 


RECTAL AGENTS: Enemata, salves,—suppositories, etc. Enemata: 
Nutritive.—First cleanse bowel by using soap suds or other purgative 
enema, followed by salt solution irrigation. Nutritive enema of not over 
6 ounces, to be given at temperature of 100° F. Give slowly every 3 to 6 
hours through small, soft tube. A nutritive enema: Beat up egg and add 
to y 2 pint of warm milk; then add the contents of a Fairchild’s peptoniz¬ 
ing tube and let mixture stand, in warm place, an hour. Take one-half 
of this and add to it 1 or 2 ounces of thick corn or oatmeal gruel, or 
flour paste, and give, through tube, as high enema; set other half-aside 
for next time. Purgative:—Soap suds made with such soap as castile- 
Introduce a quart hot; may add 1 to 2 drams of turpentine well stirred 
in, or a tablespoonful of glycerin, for effectiveness. The “1, 2, 3 Enema 

l f nr 0 | P tSlnnnnl P i 8Om # 1 *° unc - e ’ glyce, : in 2 ounces, water ’3 ounces; 

° r 2 ^aspoonfuls of turpentine is sometimes added. In gaseous disten¬ 
sion of the bowel, milk and molasses each a pint well mixed, to which 
is slowly added a tablespoonful of turpentine well stirred in acts like- 
W i5 e ’j ma 7 u ? e a turpentine emulsion of: turpentine 1 teaspoonful 
added drop by drop to a beaten-up egg; then stir in glycerin 6 table¬ 
spoonfuls gradually added, and complete by adding soap suds- to make a 
pint. March enema: a teaspoonful of starch stirred in cold water until 
smooth to which is then slowly added about y 2 pint of boiling water, 
then boil 2 minutes. Cool to about 100° F. and inject 


PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTIDOTES, ETC 


60 c 


Olive oil (sweet oil), linseed and cotton seed oils at about 90° F, are 
each given, as an enema, in doses ranging from an ounce to a pint, and 
followed by a soap suds enema in 2 to 4 hours; by mouth, these oils, in 
one or more teaspoonfuls. However, in poisoning by cantharides, copper 
salts, or phosphorus, it is best to avoid using them either way. Rochelle 
salt 4 to 6 ounces, or epsom salt 2 to 4 ounces, in warm saturated solu¬ 
tion as an enema at bed time, followed by soap suds in about 8 hours is 
serviceable. 

RESPIRATORY AGENTS: 

To Stimulate the Respiratory Center; Atropin, caffein, camphor, 
strychnin. 

To Reduce Irritability of Respiratory Center and Lessen Cough: 
Chloroform, codein, heroin, morphin, opium, etc. 

To Increase and Thin Bronchical Secretion: Ammonium carbonate 
and chlorid; apomorphin, ipecac, potassium and sodium salts, iodids, 
squill. 

To Lessen Bronchical Secretion: Atropin, belladonna, benzoin, tur¬ 
pentine, etc. 

To Relax Bronchical Spasm: Amyl nitrite, atropin, belladonna, 
bromides, chloroform, nitroglycerin, potassium iodid, sodium iodid, 
sodium nitrate, chloral and preparations, morphin, opium, etc. 

SKIN IRRITANTS: Alcohol, ammonia, camphor, cantharides, capsi¬ 
cum, croton oil, cold and heat, iodin, menthol, mustard, peppermint, 
wintergreen, turpentine, etc. 

VASCULAR AGENTS: To Contract Vessels—(Increasing blood 
pressure): Adrenalin (epinephrin), belladonna, caffein, ergot; and vari¬ 
ous hypophosphis (or posterior lobe of the pituitary body) preparations, 
such as infundin (pituitrin, dessicated pituitary body, dessicated hypo¬ 
physis, pituitary extract, etc.). 

To Relax or Dilate Yessels—(Reducing blood pressure): Amyl nitrite, 
nitroglycerin, sodium nitrite, sweet spirit of niter, heat, etc. 

To Deplete and Remove Fluid: Cold, Digitalis, calomel, squil, 
strophanthus; also diaphoretics, diuretics; saline and vegetable purga¬ 
tives, etc. 


BEST TIME TO GIVE MEDICINES 

As a rule, the best time to administer a medicine is between meal* 
when the digestive processes will not be interfered with; but there are 
various exceptions to this rule. 

Dilute acids, alkaline tonics, bitters and other stomachics should be 
given 10 to 20 minutes before food is taken, as they then diffuse be9t 
through the mucous membrane into the blood, and stimulate the secretion 
of the gastric juice. 

By giving an acid shortly before food is taken will also restrain 
movement of normal acid-forming materials toward the stomach, thereby 
preventing excessive formation of the acids of the gastric juice; but, 
dilute acids and alkaline tonics given as digestants, and pepsin, should 
be administered about 15 to 30 minutes after the meal. Alkalies as 
correctives of acidity hour or more after eating. Diastase should be 

given at beginning of meal; pancreatin and oxgall 1 or 2 hours after 
eating. Laxatives and cathartics act best when stomach is empty. 

Iodin and the iodids should be given when the stomach is nearly empty, 
and they will rapidly diffuse into the blood; if given when much food is 
in stomach, starch or acids present alter and weaken. 

Silver oxid and nitrate, after digestion is completed; for, if given 
during it, action will be interfered with by chemical changes. Corro¬ 
sive sublimate, gallic and tannic acids, weaken gastric digestion and 
should be given between meals. Narcotics at bedtime or earlier; also 
purgatives then, or in early morning. 

Irritating medicines and powerful metallic and other salts, such as 


60 J 


MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


those of zinc, copper, arsenic, mercury, iron, bromids, etc., as well as 
oils, malt extracts, phosphates, etc., should be given, as a rule, with or 
immediately after food. Sodium bicarbonate on empty stomach enters 
blood as alkali; if given during digestion neutralizes the HC1 of the 
gastric juice and is changed to sodium chlorid and sets CO 3 free. 


FREQUENCY IN ADMINISTRATION 


There is no established, general rule covering the frequency with 
which medicines should be given. Some years ago it was the custom to 
give most medicines, except laxatives and hypnotics, at or about meal¬ 
time. This was partly due to the fact that very many medicines were 
more or less nauseous, and were more readily retained if taken in 
conjunction with the food; it was also in part due to the belief that 
at least the main and dependable effects of most medicines were ex^ 
hausted at the expiration of the time ordinarily considered as required t( 
complete digestion, or in about 4 to 6 hours. 

Since that time more definite and accurate knowledge, as to manj 
physiological functions, has been acquired. The field of pharmacody 
namics has been developed and has furnished much valuable information 
as to the action of various medicines; chemistry and pharmacy have 
supplied very many, altogether new, very palatable or actually tasteless, 
as well as very convenient, products and preparations, for medicinal use. 
All of these have materially influenced medical methods and procedures, 
including frequency in the administration of medicines. 

It is evident that frequency in giving a medicine largely depends upon 
how long it takes a dose of it to begin to act; and upon how long before 
its action practically ceases. Some medicines are slow to act and may be 
very slowly or imperfectly eliminated or used up; therefore accumulate 
in the system; perhaps are deposited in certain organs; therefore they 
may act sometime after administration of them has ceased—among these 
are arsenic, atropin, belladonna, the bromides; digitalis, digitali, mercury 
and its salts, strychnin, anodynes, hypnotics, etc.; ordinarily these should 
not be given often without close and careful observation. 

Some medicines such as the volatile ones (ammonia, etc.), act very 
rapidly, and as a rule their effects are comparatively transient; usually 
they should be given every 1 to 3 hours; but in some instances 3 times 
a day or less suffices.—Among these are ammonia preparations, alcohol, 
camphor preparations, caffein, chloral, chloralamid, iodids, nitroglycerin, 
salicylates, strophanthus, strophanthin, strychnin, etc. It should be 
noted, that when given frequently, the dose of a powerful medicine is 
less, usually, than when given only 2 or 3 times a day, but is influenced 
by the urgency of the symptoms or condition and the effects secured. In 
summer the system does not bear strong medicines as well as in winter. 
When a prompt and emphatic physiological effect is desired a single 
large dose may suffice, as with purgatives, hypnotics, etc. 

A drug will produce its characteristic effect more readily if it is given 
with other drugs of the same class; and both together may produce a 
more emphatic effect than either could alone; such is true of bromides 
and chloral for sleep; calomel and jalap as purgatives; etc. On the 
other hand, drugs of opposite, physiological effects although acting on the 
same structures, may each lose much or all of its power, if given to¬ 
gether: e. g., bromides prevent strychnin convulsions, although both act 
on the spinal cord. Digitalis slows the heart, by stimulating the vagus 
center; but atropin depresses the vagus nerve endings, preventing such 
effect; therefore they should not be given close together if such effects 
is desired. A medicine intended to be used to counteract a poisonoui 
effect must frequently be given in larger doses than usual; but always 
cautiously. 


Note: The chief poisons are alphabetically paged 
in this “Part II” of the book. Read N.B. below. 

PART II. 

POISONS AND ACUTE POISONING: 
HISTORY, SYMPTOMS AND 
TREATMENT.* 


N. B.—The doses in this chapter are for adults, 
and are to be modified according to the urgency of 
the symptoms, and discontinued or reduced when 
the symptoms are relieved. The Digitalin referred 
to is the “German.” Frequently it is necessary to 
repeat antidote and evacuant, and to give lukewarm 
water freely to wash out the stomach. 

The author has endeavored to place together 
poisons exhibiting similar phenomena or for which 
the same treatment is eminently applicable. 

The symptoms of those poisons with which, in 
the opinion of the author, even the pharmacist 
should be familiar, are in bold face type. The prin¬ 
cipal procedures in treatment are in the same type. 

The resort to oxygen inhalations and to artificial 
respiration manually or by pulmotor is always jus¬ 
tifiable, and the neglect to do so may be censurable. 

The Pulmotor is an apparatus for rhythmical and 
protracted inflation of the lungs with oxygen, and 
removal of the air when the lungs are distended. It 
therefore produces artificial respiration. Such ap¬ 
paratus often is used at hospitals and elsewhere in 
suffocation and in collapse. 

ACETANILID (ANTIFEBRIN) — ANILIN — 
ANTIPYRINE — EXALGIN — PHENACE- 
TIN—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

All of these drugs are more or less dangerous. 
Probably Acetanilid and Antipyrine the most so. 

Fatal dose: Death has resulted from 5 grains of 
Acetanilid, and a recovery from poisoning by 340 
grains of it. 30 grains of Phenacetin has caused 
death. 3 ounces of marking ink, consisting mainly 

*For hints on suspicious symptoms of poisoning, see page 331. Diag¬ 
nostic hints, pages 253, 261, 313, 329, 331, 338. 






62 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


of Anilin, has caused death within 12 hours. Anilin 
is an oily fluid having a peculiar and distinctive 
odor. The fatal dose of Anilin is considered to be 
about 6 grammes, but recovery has occurred after 
*0 grammes. Poisoning has resulted from 7 grains 
of Antipyrine; also from 3^2 grains; recovery has 
occurred from an ounce after 14 hours’ unconscious¬ 
ness. A Vienna report in 1890 attributes 17 deaths 
to this drug, by arrest of the heart. 

Death from these poisons is the result of cardiac 
depression. 

SYMPTOMS: 

More or less sweating, depression, cyanosis, and 
collapse. 

[In Acetanilid poisoning, hemoglobin and he- 
matin are found in the urine. Symptoms of poi¬ 
soning by Exalgin sometimes resemble those of 
angina pectoris or those of Carbolic Acid, with dys¬ 
pnoea, cyanosis and renal disturbances. In Antipy¬ 
rine poisoning a rash resembling measles usually 
appears. In Anilin poisoning the pulse is small 
and frequent; the patient smells of Anilin; the 
urine may be brown to brown-black; at the end 
coma and convulsions; jaundice often follows re¬ 
covery. The outward application of Anilin causes 
eczema. (Use Hydrog. Perox. or Pot. Permang.) In 
chronic poisoning by Anilin the perspiration has a 
reddish color.] 

TREATMENT: 

Put patient in the recumbent position. 

Loosen clothing; supply fresh air and give Oxy¬ 
gen if possible, to overcome the cyanosis. 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, or give an emetic of Zinc Sul¬ 
phate (20 grains dissolved in a wineglassful of water, 
repeated once in 15 minutes if necessary), or Mus¬ 
tard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of warm 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting has not 
occurred). Give saline purgative. 

2. Stimulate with Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 


ACID ACETIC. 


68 


every % to i hour), or Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 
30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypodermically, 
every to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every % to 1 hour). 

Encourage respiration by giving Strychnine Sul¬ 
phate (1/60 to 1/20 gr. doses every ^ to 2 hours). 

Sustain blood pressure by Atropine Sulphate 
(1/120 to 1/60 gr. hypoderm. every y 2 to 2 hours). 

3. Employ artificial heat (apply bags or bottles 
of hot water, or bricks, stove-lids, or bags of salt, 
heated), to maintain the bodily temperature. 

4. Perform artificial respiration if necessary 
(rhythmically raise arms extended at sides to up over 
head and back again, 18 times a minute). 

In poisoning by inhaling Anilin, fresh air, oxy¬ 
gen inhalations, ether injections and general stimu¬ 
lation are the best measures to employ. 

ACID ACETIC—VINEGAR. 

HISTORY i 

Glacial Acetic Acid, used to destroy warts, may 
be mistaken for medicine. A large quantity of Vin¬ 
egar may be taken by mistake and act as a poison. 
Concentrated Acetic Acid is very corrosive. 

Fatal dose : 1 oz. concentrated Acetic Acid. 

Symptoms and treatment as in Mineral Acids 
(q. v.). [Q.V.=:Quod Vide=which see]. 

PHENOLS: 

ACID CARBOLIC (PHENOL, PHENIC ACID, 
BENZOPHENOL) — CARBOLINEUM — 
CREOSOTE — GUAIACOL — CRESOLS: 
CREOLIN; LYSOL; SAPROL — PYRO- 
GALLOL—ZIRATOL—SOLUTOL—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Carbolic Acid, a coal tar, is a colorless product 
when anhydrous; upon adding 5 per cent, of water 
it becomes liquid; upon exposure to light it may 
turn red. It is a powerful escharotic and neurotic 
poison. Probably Phenol, Lysol, Oxalic Acid and 
Gas are the poisons most commonly used for sui- 


64 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


cide; but they are rarely used for murder. A Car¬ 
bolic lotion has been given fatally by mistake for 
medicine. Poisoning has occurred from using too 
strong a solution as injection; from a spray; from a 
strong salve for itch or other skin affections; also 
from absorption when used as an antiseptic in sur¬ 
gical dressings. If urine becomes dark colored in 
using Carbolic Acid, discontinue use. 

*[When fatal, death usually occurs in from T / 2 to 4 hours 
after the poison has been taken. The shortest times have 
been, in one case 3 minutes in another 5 minutes; longest 
times, 60 hours; also 5 and 7 days. 

Fatal dose of Phenol, from ^4 drachm up; usually y 2 to 2 
ounces. As a rule, y 2 ounce fatal; 6 or 7 grains have caused 
dangerous symptoms; recovery from over an ounce. Death 
from *4 ounce Creosote; recovery from an ounce. Death 
from 1 drachm Lysol; recovery from 3 ounces. Death is 
due to cardiac and respiratory paralysis. Death, if prompt, 
may result from syncope; if prolonged, from apnoea. 

Caution. Restored consciousness and apparently almost 
complete recovery may be followed, shortly or in some 
hours, by collapse and death. Patient should be kept quiet 
until recovery is fully established. Cresol is cresylis acid 
or methyl phenol—3 varieties: ortho-, meta- and para-cresol. 
Solutol: cresol and sodium cresolinate. Lysol is an impure 
para-cresol, consisting of tar, resin, rat, linseed oil, soap 
and potassium, saponified by boiling. Saprol: oily mix¬ 
ture, 40 per cent impure cresols in petroleum hydrocarbons. 
Creolin contains various aromatic substances, mainly 
cresols.] [Lysol: cresol, linseed oil, potassium, soap. Cre¬ 
sol is methyl phenol.] 

SYMPTOMS: 

* [Usually, but not always, an immediate burning pain 
from mouth to stomach, accompanied sometimes by vom¬ 
iting; usually a whitening of lips and mouth, also of eso¬ 
phagus and stomach; the breathing is labored; as a rule 
there is dizziness and later loss of consciousness; early low 
temperature, sometimes later very high; diminished and 
greenish, brownish or black urine, the urine and breath 
having characteristic odor of Carbolic Acid, or Creosote, or 
such; pupils contracted; collapse. Lysol stains brown and 
causes slippery feeling on lips and mouth.] 

TREATMEMT: 

Usually treatment must be prompt to be effective. 
Remember that Carbolic Acid, although so called, 


^Author’s uncondensed text. 



ACID CARBOLIC. 


65 


is not an acid, but belongs to the class of bodies 
known as phenols, and has but feeble acid properties. 

Phelps says: “Alcohol is a perfect antidote to the 
corrosive effects of Carbolic Acid.” The corrosion 
produced by Carbolic Acid is superficial as a rule. 
In absence of extreme damage to mucosa of stomach 
(as indicated by small quantity of poison taken, its not 
being in pure state, just taken, or pain not being very se¬ 
vere), the stomach-tube may, as a rule, safely be intro¬ 
duced. When corrosion severe, omit evacuant treat¬ 
ment, and limit alcohol to 4 ounces, well diluted. 


Avoid use of oils and glycerine (except milk), as 
they favor solution and absorption of the poison. 

Antidotes: Alcohol, any soluble sulphate, soap¬ 
suds, vegetable demulcents, albumin, magnesia. 

1. Give a cupful of Alcohol and water (4 ounces 
of each, or less water) and at once remove it with the 
stomach-tube, if possible, syphoning it out. If the stom¬ 
ach-tube is not at hand, may use Mustard (a tablespoon¬ 
ful in a small cupful of water), or much better, Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain). 
The Alcohol protects the stomach from the corrosive ef¬ 
fects of the Carbolic Acid, probably by its dilution of the 
Carbolic Acid and its effects upon the walls of the stom¬ 
ach, delaying or presenting absorption. It also acts as a 
stimulant. The Apomorphine not only has a prompt 
emetic effect upon the more or less paralyzed stomach, 
but also controls any inclination to acute alcoholism. 
(Owing to the anesthesia of the mucous membrane of 
the stomach, emetics are, as a rule, not very effective). 

If Alcohol is not at hand, use a cupful of clear 
Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Cider Vinegar, or Rum for 
the Alcohol they contain. 

The administration of the alcoholic preparation, 
followed by evacuation of the stomach (if possible 
by the stomach-tube), should be repeated every 5 
to 10 minutes, from 4 to 8 times, according to 
the severity of the poisoning. Washing out freely 
with much water is also good secondary treat¬ 
ment. . ., 

In the absence of Alcohol, a very dilute Acetic Aciq 


M 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


\ 


has been employed. Chiefly owing to its albuminous 
nature, milk is beneficial; also white of egg. 

2. Administer one of the soluble sulphates 
next, such as Sodium or Magnesium Sulphate (in y 2 
to 2 ounces, or i to 2 tablespoonfuls, doses in a cup¬ 
ful of water) to hasten the elimination of such por¬ 
tion of the Carbolic Acid as may have entered the 
circulation. Half a pint of such solution, % the 
strength, should be left in the stomach for continued 
absorption. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

by Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypoder¬ 
mically every ^ to 2 hours), and inhalations of Amyl 
Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handker¬ 
chief, using one every 15 to 30 minutes). A hypo¬ 
dermic injection of Sulphuric Ether (15 minims) may 
be employed. A hypodermic injection of Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain every to 2 hours), or 
Tincture of Digitalis (5 to 10 drops), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain) every ]/ 2 to 2 hours, may be helpful. 
Artificial respiration, also saline (5, Page 118), if 
required. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 

bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 
bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, ap¬ 
plied to the feet and sides of the body), to maintain 
bodily temperature. 

5. Give demulcents (such as milk, white of egg, 
flaxseed, or elm tea, gruel or magnesia in water), as 
an after treatment, to soothe and protect the mu¬ 
cous membrane. When egg and milk are given, 
they serve to also nourish and sustain the patient. 

Apply mustard paste to abdomen. Employ fric¬ 
tion and faradism to extremities. 

Among other treatments which have been recom¬ 
mended are Lime Water and Syrup of Lime; also 
soap-suds. Also Sodium Carbonate as a mouth wash. 

6. May give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 
grains every ^4 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops 
every y 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or p2 teaspoonful in 
gruel by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sul¬ 
phate (*4 g r ain by mouth or hypodermically every 


ACID CARBONIC. 


67 


V\ to 2 hours), to relieve severe pain and nervous 
irritability and to sustain the resisting force. 

The treatment for poisoning by Creosote, etc., is 
the same as that for Carbolic Acid. 

In poisoning by absorption from antiseptic dress¬ 
ings, a lotion of 5 per cent, solution of Sodium Sul¬ 
phate is said to be an efficient antidote. Vinegar, 
especially Cider Vinegar, or oil (after alcohol), are 
efficient dressings in external injury or corrosion. 

ACID CARBONIC [GAS] (CARBON DIOXID; 

C 0 2 )—CHOKE DAMP (CO and CO.). 

HISTORY: 

Poisoning by breathing foul air of an over¬ 
crowded room or one in which there is a charcoal or 
gas stove and insufficient ventilation; air of wells, 
cellars, mines, or other excavations or inclosures 
illy ventilated or poisoned by decomposition or gas 
following explosions. (When flame of lowered candle 
is dimmed, air is poisonous. If there is about 15 per 
cent CO a . present the flame is extinguished.) 

Fatal dose : 10 to 15 per cent, of this gas in the 
atmosphere is considered fatal; 2 per cent, is dan¬ 
gerous if long breathed. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Throat inflamed; sense of weight and pains in 
head; drowsiness; giddiness; ringing in ears; loss 
of muscular power; dyspnoea; lividity of face and 
body; violent heart action; convulsions; coma: 
death; face may be swollen or livid and pale. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Carry patient at once into pure air. If possible, 
give Oxygen inhalations. If respiratory move¬ 
ments have ceased, dash cold water on the face 
and chest to awaken by reflex action ; if there is 
no effect, resort to artificial respiration, and keep 
it up for an hour. If heart has stopped, strike sharp. 


68 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


quick blows upon the chest, in the heart region. 
Inhalations of Ammonia, or of Amyl Nitrite, or an 
enema of strong coffee is sometimes serviceable. If 
the heart does not begin to beat soon after begin¬ 
ning artifieal respiration, the jugular vein may be 
opened (avoid entrance of air) to relieve distension 
of the right ventricle. [The jugular vein is selected 
because there are no important valves between it and 
the heart.] Recovery may occur after long in¬ 
sensibility. 

2 . Friction and heat applied to the extremities. 

Electricity (interrupted current to limbs). Stimu¬ 
lants. Inject a pint of hot strong coffee into rec¬ 
tum. Use catheter if long unconscious. 

ACID CHROMIC — NEUTRAL CHROMATE 
OF POTASH — BICHROMATE OF POT¬ 
ASH-NEUTRAL CHROMATE OF LEAD 
(CHROME YELLOW). 

HISTORY: 

Persons engaged in the manufacture of Potassium 
Bichromate experience a nauseating bitter taste in 
the mouth, sneezing, irritation of nose and eyes, 
sores on the hands and body. Wherever skin de¬ 
nuded it acts as a cautery. Has a tendency to at- ' 
tack septum of nose, which it may destroy. 

Potassium Bichromate is much used for dyeing 
purposes. 2 drachms have caused death in 4 hours, 
but ounce has been recovered from. A piece of 
Chromate of Potash the size of a hazel nut has 
caused death. Breathing Chromate of Lead dust 
has caused death, also eating cake ornaments con¬ 
taining this poison. [Deaths in 40 min. to 10 days.] 

SYMPTOMS: 

Pain in stomach; colic; cramps in legs; vomiting; 
purging; dilated pupils; great depression; collapse. 
Chromic Acid vomit produces yellow stain on cloth. 


ACID CHROMIC. 


69 


TREATMENT : 

1. Evacuate the stomach. In poisoning by the 
acid employ stomach tube and much water to sy¬ 
phon out stomach; or use Mustard (a tablespoonful 
in a wineglassful of tepid water, repeating every 15 
minutes until vomiting occurs). If Mustard is not 
at hand, may use Zinc Sulphate (20 grains, repeat¬ 
ing in 15 minutes if necessary), or give Ipecacuanha 
(Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of 
Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 minutes until ef¬ 
fective), or give Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hy¬ 
podermically (1/10 grain, repeating in 15 minutes 
if necessary). Give Calcined Magnesia, or Mag¬ 
nesium Carbonate (1 to 4 tablespoonfuls stirred up 
in a cupful of milk or water) freely, as an antidote. 
Lime water, or chalk in water may be freely used. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

by Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypoder¬ 
mically every ^ to 2 hours), and by inhalations of 
Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief, using one every 15 to 30 minutes). A 
hypodermic injection of Sulphuric Ether (15 min¬ 
ims) may be employed. A hypodermic injection of 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain every )4 
to 2 hours) may be helpful. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

4. Protect mucosa of stomach by administering 
demulcents (as milk, gruel, flaxseed or elm tea). 

6. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains 
every J/2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
^ to 2 hours by mouth, or teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (Li 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every 34 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability if 
present and severe. 


70 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ACID HYDROCYANIC (PRUSSIC ACID) — 
BITTER ALMONDS, AND THEIR OIL — 
CHERRY LAUREL WATER—SCHEELE’S 
ACID—PEACH KERNELS—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Poisoning may be the result of accident, suicidal 
intentions, or the effort to commit murder. It has 
resulted from inhaling the vapor of the anhydrous 
acid, from the use of the cyanides, from the acid 
itself, or from vegetable substances containing 
amygdalin. This latter substance readily under¬ 
goes decomposition, resulting in Hydrocyanic Acid 
and other products. Hydrocyanic Acid is a con¬ 
stituent of bitter almonds, cherry laurel, cherry, 
peach and plum pits. The Dilute Hydrocyanic 
Acid should contain 2 per cent, of the anhydrous 
acid. Oil of Bitter Almonds contains io to 15 per 
cent, of Hydrocyanic Acid. 

The acid is equally severe in its action whether 
swallowed, inhaled, dropped into the eye, or ap¬ 
plied externally. It may cause death in 2 minutes. 
Death has been delayed to iy 2 > hours, but usually 
occurs within 15 minutes; may occur instantly. 
Inhalation of the vapor has caused death. 

Hydrocyanic Acid enters the blood, forming a 
compound with its hemoglobin, passes to the me¬ 
dulla oblongata, and paralyzes centres of respiration. 

Fatal dose : 6/10 to 9/10 gr. of the anhydrous Acid; 
40 min. of Dilute Hydrocyanic Acid (U. S. P.); re¬ 
covery after y 2 oz. 2% sol. (4.8 gr.); recovery after 1 
drachm of Scheele’s Acid (equal to 2 2 / 5 grains of the 
anhydrous acid); 80 almonds fatal; 4 to 6 will poison 
a child. Death after 17 drops of Oil of Bitter Alm¬ 
onds; also recovery after 4 drachms; but 20 drops is 
considered a fatal dose. Death in 2 min. to 3^ hrs. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The symptoms come on in the very act of swaL 
lowing or almost immediately. The breath has tha 


ACID HYDROCYANIC. 


71 


characteristic odor of Bitter Almonds. Respiration 
difficult, expiration prolonged; pulse imperceptible; 
eyes glassy, prominent; pupils dilated; wild cries; 
involuntary urination and defecation; convulsions; 
asphyxia; cyanosis; paralysis; general collapse; 
coma; death. In small doses, giddiness, weakness. 

TREATMENT: 

i. The most serviceable methods in great emer¬ 
gency are artificial respiration, the use of Ammonia, 
by inhalation, hypodermically and by mouth di¬ 
luted ; Chloride of Lime alone or moistened with 
vinegar and held to the nose; the employment of 
douches of cold water poured from a height, cold 
affusions to the spine, friction and stimulation. 

(Put patient in a horizontal position out in the 
air.) 

If there is time, immediately vomit, or wash out the 
stomach with a dilute (i to 3) solution of Hydrogen 
Peroxide, or of Potassium Permanganate (20 grains 
to a pint of water) in order to change, if possible, 
the Hydrocyanic Acid into the nearly harmless 
oxamid. May give Javelle Water (1 teaspoonful in 
a cupful of water), or Chlorine Water (a tablespoon¬ 
ful in a cupful of water), or use a Chlorine spray. 
May give a hypodermatic injection of the ordinary 
solution of Hydrogen Peroxide 04 teaspoonful 
every 5 minutes until respiration and circulation 
improve, then occasionally) ; or give by mouth. 

There is no known, altogether reliable, antidote, 
although it has been claimed that Ferrous Sulphate 
is a good chemical antidote. Hence may well wash 
out with or give: Potassium Carbonate (20 grains 
in a wineglassful of water), immediately followed by 
Ferrous Sulphate (Copperas) (10 grains) and Tinc¬ 
ture of Chloride of Iron (1 teaspoonful in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water). Or give Magnesium Car¬ 
bonate (1 teaspoonful), stirred up in water to a thin 
cream ; then dissolve Ferrous Sulphate (12J/2 grains) 
and Solution of Ferric Chloride (16 drops) in a 


72 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


wineglassful of water. Mix these and give them, 
to counteract about 1^2 drachms of the Dilute Acid. 

A mixture of the Ferrous and Ferric salts, as an 
antidote, to be followed by a solution of Potassium 
or Sodium Carbonate, or Hydroxide, the combina¬ 
tion producing the inert Prussian Blue in the stom¬ 
ach, has been highly recommended. Cobalt Nitrate 
(1 oz. of l /2% sol. subcutaneously) has proved ef¬ 
ficacious. 

2. Evacuate the stomach (after antidote), with 
stomach-tube until odor of acid absent, or tickle 
fauces with feather, or press finger down throat, or 
give emetic of Mustard (tablespoonful in wineglass- 
ful of water). When bitter almonds or similar 
kernels, which contain amygdalin, have been eaten. 
Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in a tablespoonful of 
water), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate (1/10 grain 
hypodermically) usually required promptly. 

3. Employ douches; pour cold water on face, and 
alternately hot and cold water on chest and spine. 

4. Stimulate. Give inhalations of Ammonia. 
Also give Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, Brandy or 
Whiskey (1 teaspoonful in a little water every 5 to 
15 minutes by mouth, or in double quantity by rec¬ 
tum, or in half quantity hypodermically). Also 
stimulate with hypodermic injections of Atropine 
Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain doses), or Strych¬ 
nine, or use Ether 15 minims (hypoderm), or same 
of Camphorated Oil. Hot normal salt sol. enema. 

5. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

6. Apply electricity. Employ a faradic current, 
applying it to the chest walls, particularly over the 
heart. 

Sometimes must resort to tracheotomy. 

If can keep patient alive for about half an hour, 
recovery is as a rule quite certain. 


ACIDS MINERAL. 


78 


ACIDS MINERAL (CONCENTRATED): HY¬ 
DROCHLORIC (MURIATIC ACID, SPIR¬ 
IT OF SALT)—NITRIC (AQUA FORTIS) 
—PHOSPHORIC—SULPHURIC (OIL OF 
VITRIOL) —NITRO-HYDROCHLORIC 
(AQUA REGIA) — NITRO-SULPHURIC 
(AQUA REGINAE). 

HISTORY: 

When Hydrochloric Acid poisons, it is usually the 
result of mistaking it for beer or other beverages. 
Poisoning by Nitric Acid is usually the result of acci¬ 
dent or attempted suicide. Poisoning by Sulphuric 
Acid is usually the result of mistaking it for a bever¬ 
age or attempted suicide. Although primary effects 
of these acids may be recovered from, secondary 
effects, consisting of stricture of esophagus or stom¬ 
ach, or perforation of esophagus, resulting in death, 
are apt to occur in a year or two. But the effects 
are local, not remote. The dangerous qualities of 
Sulphuric Acid are in proportion to its degree of 
concentration rather than to the quantity taken. 

Fatal dose: Hydrochloric Acid, to i ounce; 
usually i ounce; recovery has occurred from i, also 
2 ounces; shortest fatal period, 2 hours. 

Nitric Acid, 2 drachms; p2 ounce has been recov¬ 
ered from; shortest fatal period, i^4 hours. 

Sulphuric Acid, 1 drachm ; greatly depends upon 
the quantity of food in the stomach ; recovery has 
taken place after 2 ounces; average fatal period, 16 
to 24 hours; shortest period, 1^4 hours. 

Death from Concentrated Mineral Acids by as¬ 
phyxia or collapse or perforation of the stomach. 
Death usually occurs within 24 hours. May be days. 

SYMPTOMS : 

Pain in digestive tract; thirst intense; swallow¬ 
ing difficult; vomit dark-colored, acid, and con¬ 
taining mucous shreds, parts of membrane of eso- 


74 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


phagus and stomach, perhaps blood ; feeble pulse, 
clammy skin; collapse; cough, difficult respiration; 
sometimes constipation; usually stains on lips. Hy» 
drochloric Acid produces on dark cloth first bright red 
color, which after some days becomes a reddish-brown 
or yellow. White stains on skin. Mucous membrane 
of mouth and tongue is gray or white. Nitric and 
Nitrohydrochloric Acids produce first white, then yel¬ 
low, and finally brownish-red stains on lips and skin 
Stain clothing yellow. Sulphuric Acid causes whit' 
to black stains and corrosion on lips, and chars 
clothing, or stains white linen black, dark cloth 
red or brownish-red; stains other colored materials 
a bright reddish or yellowish; mixed with water 
generates heat. (These acids may not stain lips.) 

TREATMENT: 

Do not use stomach-tube, stomach-pump, or 
emetics with concentrated acids, lest the former 
perforate the wall of the esophagus or stomach, or 
the latter rupture the stomach. Chalk, Potassium, 
or Sodium Carbonate or Bicarbonate, although anti¬ 
dotes, should not be used, lest the gas generated 
rupture the weakened wall of the stomach. 

Avoid water, unless given rapidly in very large 
quantity, in poisoning by Sulphuric Acid, as it gen¬ 
erates heat, thus increases injury to the stomach. 

Antidotes: Much water, magnesia (forms Epsom 
Salt with Sulphuric Acid), soap, albumin, lime 
water, whiting, wall plaster, demulcents. 

1. Give much water at once and Calcined Mag¬ 
nesia in frequent doses (2 tablespoonfuls in a cupful 
of tepid water or milk). Lime water ad libitum. Soap¬ 
suds (castile soap, dissolved in 4 times its bulk of hot 
water), by the cupful until stomach is soothed. After 
neutralizing acid give tepid water to aid emesis. 

2. Give demulcents freely (white of egg, 1 in y 2 
cupful of water; barley water, flour, flaxseed tea, gruel, 
starch water, olive oil, or milk), to soothe and protect. 

3. May give Opium or Morphine Sulphate (a hy¬ 
podermic injection of }i or % grain), or Deodorized, 


ACID OXALIC. 


75 


Tincture of Opium (io to 15 drops) or Cocain by 
mouth, to relieve pain. Give ice for pain and thirst. 

Apply heat to body. If required, stimulants 
(hypoderm.), nutrient enemas, also tracheotomy. 
Oil enemata benefit. Chlorinated Soda inhalations 
for Sulphuric Acid. External parts injured by these 
acids (as in “vitriol throwing”) are benefited by 
bathing with soap and water, and treating like burns. 

ACID OXALIC (ACID OF SUGAR)—POTAS¬ 
SIUM BINOXALATE (SALT OF SOR¬ 
REL, SALT OF LEMON)—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Acid Oxalic is a crystalline substance whose crys¬ 
tals sufficiently resemble Magnesium Sulphate and 
Zinc Sulphate as to be mistaken for them. It is 
sometimes taken with suicidal intent. Salt of Sor¬ 
rel is used for straw bleaching and removing ink 
and iron stains from linen, leather, paper, etc. It 
has been taken for suicidal purposes. It is an acid 
oxalate of Potassium, and is commonly called Salt 
of Lemon. It has been taken for Epsom Salt and 
Cream of Tartar, owing to similarity in appearance. 

Fatal dose : 1 drachm of the solid acid has killed; 
usually ^ to 1 ounce is fatal, but 1 ounce in solution 
has been recovered from. The solid acid or a strong 
solution of it has a corrosive effect. The local effect 
of a dilute solution is slight, usually, but the poison 
is absorbed and acts as a systemic poison. Half an 
ounce of the Salt of Sorrel has produced death. Al¬ 
though the soluble salts of Oxalic Acid are almost 
as poisonous as the acid itself, they are not as cor¬ 
rosive. The Acid stains skin white or brown, cloth¬ 
ing brown or orange-red. 

Death has occurred in from 3 to 10 minutes, but 
usually occurs in about an hour. Death has oc¬ 
curred as late as the fourteenth day. 

Death by paralysis of respiration and heart. The 
time of death is not dependent upon the amount and 
concentration of the poison. 


76 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


SYMPTOMS: 

A hot acrid or intensely sour taste in mouth; 
burning sensation in esophagus and stomach; in¬ 
tense thirst; distressing cough; severe pain in head, 
abdomen, and back; tongue swollen; sense of suffo¬ 
cation; usually vomiting of highly acid, greenish, 
blackish-brown or bloody mucus; black and blue 
colored face; cold skin; coma; collapse; sometimes 
convulsions; urine contains crystals of Oxalate of 
Lime, albumin, and tube casts. 

Oxalic Acid, in substance or in strong solution, 
acts locally as a corrosive upon the tissue with 
which it comes in contact, and also acts as a true 
poison. Upon the concentration of the solution de¬ 
pends the predominance of either action. Oxalic 
Acid in a large dose, and dissolved in a small quan¬ 
tity of water, produces immediate and severe symp¬ 
toms. In the reverse state the symptoms are de¬ 
layed and less severe. Death may be caused by 
dilute solutions without either pain or vomiting hav¬ 
ing been present, the symptoms being similar to 
those produced by narcotic poisoning. 

TREATMENT: 

Treatment must be prompt. The chemical anti¬ 
dote is Lime in any form (such as slaked lime, chalk, 
whiting, or wall plaster, given freely in water). 

I. Give at once Magnesia (2 tablespoon fills in a gill 
of milk or water), or slaked lime suspended in a small 
quantity of water or mucilaginous fluid; forms in¬ 
soluble oxalate. Saccharated Solution of Lime, a 
teaspoonful often, or a soluble Salt of Calcium, or 
Magnesium, suspended or dissolved in a very small 
quantity of water, or in some demulcent, as milk, 
mucilage, or oil, is the proper antidote. Calcium Car¬ 
bonate, in the form of Prepared Chalk (2 teaspoonfuls 
at a dose), or Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (2 tea¬ 
spoonfuls at a dose), is very satisfactory, as with 
Oxalic Acid it forms Calcium Oxalate, an inert sub¬ 
stance. Ordinary chalk, wall plaster, whiting, orpowd- 


ACID OXALIC 


77 


ered oyster or egg shells, in water, or syrup of lime, 
or a large quantity of lime water, may be administered 
when better antidotes are not readily obtainable. 

Alkalies, such as Ammonia, Potash or Soda, and 
their Carbonates or Bicarbonates should not be ad¬ 
ministered, as they form soluble compounds which 
are almost as poisonous as the acid itself. 

If the poison has been taken in a solid form, or it 
is not known in what form it was taken, avoid use 
of much water, as by dissolving the poison it favors 
the absorption of the same. 

2. May conditionally evacuate the stomach. If 

poison was not taken in solid form, and was not 
concentrated enough, or has not been swallowed for 
a long enough time to have destroyed the mucous 
membrane (as indicated by severe burning pain, 
often accompanied by signs of collapse) and vomit¬ 
ing has not occurred spontaneously, may use a 
stomach-tube to syphon out the stomach, or resort 
to an emetic. Avoid the use of the stomach pump. 

In syphoning out the stomach, use Lime Water, with 
or without oil, followed by pure water. Milk of Mag¬ 
nesia may be substituted for the Lime Water. 

Except in very aggravated cases, emetics may be 
employed, even though it be unsafe to use the stom¬ 
ach-tube. Tickling the fauces with a feather or the 
finger will often produce vomiting, and is the safest 
method. 

If not successful may give: Zinc Sulphate (20 
grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated every 
15 minutes if necessary), or Mustard (a tablespoon¬ 
ful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 min¬ 
utes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered 
Ipecacuanha, 30 grains), or Syrup of Ipecac, a tea¬ 
spoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting 
results; or still better, Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 
hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 min¬ 
utes until effective). 

3. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls), or Magne- 


78 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


sium Sulphate (i to 2 tablespoonfuls in a cupful of 
water), to clear out the intestines. 

When water is admissable, much shouid be given 
to encourage elimination of the poison by the kid¬ 
neys. 

Apply poultices to the abdomen, and hot fomenta¬ 
tions to the loins. 

4. Employ stimulants freely upon signs of col¬ 
lapse (such as Brandy or Whisky (in tablespoonful 
doses in a little water), but only per rectum). 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains), 
or Laudanum (20 to 30 drops at a dose), or give 
Morphine Sulphate, hypodermically (J 4 grain every 
L2 to 2 hours), if pain is severe. 

6. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, or flour and water, or 
crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the irritated 
and inflamed surface, as an after treatment. 

ACID SALICYLIC — SALOL. 

HISTORY: 

Salicylic Acid is used as a preservative for keep¬ 
ing cream, wine, lager beer, cider, jams, etc. Death 
from about an ounce taken in 4 days. 

Death results from paralysis of respiration. 

SYMPTOMS: 

t 

Dilated pupils; quick, deep respirations; dys¬ 
pnoea; flushed face; ringing in ears; deafness; de¬ 
lirium; may be nose-bleed. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water every 5 to 10 minutes until 


ACID SULPHURIC 


79 


it acts), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated 
every 15 minutes until effective. After emetic, 
always give plenty of luke-warm water to encourage 
vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 
to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypodermically as 
frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 
to 1/20 grain hypodermically every / 2 to 2 hours) 
and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every ]/ 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every ]/ 2 to 2 hours). Tincture of 
Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every y 2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 1 hour), or 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every y to 1 hour if necessary) may be used 
for the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee 
may also be given. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

4. Give demulcents: milk and white of egg* 

ACID, SCHEELE’S. 

(See Acid Hydrocyanic.) 

ACID SULPHURIC. 

(See Acids Mineral.) 


80 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ACID TARTARIC. 

HISTORY: 

Taken by mistake for an aperient. 

Fatal dose: i ounce. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Abdominal pain; vomiting; prostration; convul¬ 
sions; collapse; death. 

Antidote: Lime or chalk. 

1. Give Lime Water freely; or Prepared Chalk 
(in 2 teaspoonful doses in a small cupful of water 
every 15 to 30 minutes), or Magnesia (2 tablespoon¬ 
ful doses in a small cupful of water, repeated every 
10 to 15 minutes), or may give with benefit soap 
suds, or Carbonate or Bicarbonate of Sodium or 
Potassium in water. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

3. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls) to clear out 
the intestines. 

4. Stimulate if necessary (as described under 
Jalap (q. v.). 

ACIDS, VEGETABLE (CORROSIVE): 
ACETIC—OXALIC—TARTARIC. 

Symptoms and treatment under each name (q. v.) 

ACONITE (MONKSHOOD, WOLSFBANE)— 
ACONITINE—PULSATILLA— 
ANEMONIN. 

HISTORY: 

Aconite is an active poison. The plant Monks¬ 
hood, Wolfsbane or Blue Rocket (Aconitum Na- 
pellus) is found growing in cottage gardens. All 
parts of it are poisonous. The root may be mis- 


ACONITE. 


81 


taken for horse-radish, and the leaves have been 
eaten in salad by mistake. Tincture of Aconite has 
been mistaken for cordial, and Fleming’s Tincture 
mistaken for a harmless medicine, and Aconite lini¬ 
ment taken instead of medicine. An overdose of 
strong tincture is sometimes taken for a cold. Aco¬ 
nite has been used for purposes of suicide and for 
murder. Pills containing Aconite are sold and in¬ 
discreetly used in the treatment of neuralgia. Aco¬ 
nite has been much used by the Hindoos to poison 
wild beasts and also human beings. 

Fatal dose: i drachm of the root; 25 drops of the 
tincture; 4 grains of the extract; 1/16 of a grain of 
the alkaloid; 1/50 grain nearly caused death; about 
1/35 grain by the mouth is believed to be fatal as a 
rule; hypodermically 1.5 mgrms. Fatal results usu¬ 
ally within 3 or 4 hours; has occurred in 8 minutes 
and has been delayed to 4 days. 80 drops of the 
Tincture of Aconite taken in 10 doses caused death 
in 4 days. 

Death results from asphyxia or syncope. 

• + 

SYMPTOMS: 

Tingling in mouth, throat and extremities; anes¬ 
thesia of surface*; muscular weakness, hence stag¬ 
gering; dizziness; burning pain in stomach or .ab¬ 
domen ; dilated pupils; slow, weak, irregular pulse; 
voice Suppressed; skin covered with cold sweat; 
shallow, slow, feeble respiration; face pale; sight 
often poor; eyes fixed and staring; deafness; vomit¬ 
ing not common, but may begin in an hour, and is 
then severe; syncope. Patient often conscious to 
the last. 

TREATMENT: 

Put the patient in a horizontal position, the head 
lower than the feet, to prevent syncope. Maintain 
absolute quiet. 

If there is time to do more than employ artificial 
xesoiration and stimulation, resort to the following: 

•Variation in temperature-sense, of surface, may be determined by 
Employing the topothermesthesiometer. 



82 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


1. Endeavor to wash out the stomach, syphoning 
with a stomach-tube and much water containing 
Lugols Solution l / 2 -i drachm to form insoluble 
Aconitin compound. Usually advisable to avoid 
emetics, as they act poorly and exhaust the patient. 
If given, give cautiously. 

Give Tannic Acid as an antidote (in 5 grain 

doses), followed by water, or Animal Charcoal 
(powdered and stirred up in water), or the follow¬ 
ing mixture may be given, to arrest the solubility 
of the poison: Iodine, grain; Potassium Iodide, 
2 grains; water, 1 ounce. Or give Pot. Permang.4 gr. 

Give a dose of Castor Oil. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with hypodermic injections of Ether (10 minims 
every 10 to 30 minutes), or with Brandy or Whisky 
(in 2 teaspoonful doses every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
34 teaspoonful doses hypodermically as frequently) ; 
also with Ammonia inhalations or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes by mouth, or 34 teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently) ; also with Strych¬ 
nine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 
grain hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 hours). Tinc¬ 
ture of Digitalis, as the physiological antidote (30 
drops by mouth, or half as much hypodermically, 
every 34 1 ° 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every 34 to 1 hour), should be given. 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 4 to 1 hour), 
may be used for supporting purposes. Draughts 
of strong coffee may be given. Also Nitroglycerine. 
Camphorated Oil, (hypod.) x-xv min., or in 2 or 
3, v min., doses; or a 10% Camphor solution in ster¬ 
ile olive oil, in vii min. doses (hypod.) every 15 
min., 4 times if required. It helps sustain heart and 
circulation between doses of Strychnine. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 


* — 


ALCOHOL 


83 


4. May give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 
grains every ]/ 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops 
every l / 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or l / 2 teaspoonful in 
gruel by rectum as frequently) or Morphine Sul¬ 
phate 04 grain by mouth or hypodermically every 
l / 2 -2 hrs.) to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

Apply a mustard paste to the pericardium, and 
rub the back and legs with hot towels. (See 4, p. 
224.) 

Resort to artificial respiration if necessary (rais¬ 
ing and lowering arms, from straight at sides to up 
over head and back again, 18 times per minute). 

ALCOHOL, AMYL (“FUSEL OIL,” POTATO 

SPIRIT) 

HISTORY: 

A poisonous and hypnotic preparation from corn- 
whisky and potato-whisky. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Slow, shallow respiration; small pupils; breath 
resembling odor of Amyl Nitrite; muscular rigidity. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or p* teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 


84 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY* 


water every io to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every / to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every y 2 to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 20 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/T00 grain hypodermically every )4 
to 1 hour), or CafFein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 
34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 
or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled. using one every % to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

ALCOHOL, ETHYL OR GRAIN (ETHYL HY¬ 
DROXIDE; ETHANOL) — BRANDY — 
WHISKEY—GIN—RUM—WINES — BEER 
—CIDER. * 

[Acute Poisoning,] (See p, 138 .) 

HISTORY: 

Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within an 
hour. 

The fatal dose of Alcohol varies. 2 y 2 ounces 
killed a boy of 9 and a girl of 5 years of age. 4 ounces 
of Brandy killed a child of 7. The toxic dose of Ab¬ 
solute Alcohol, contained in Brandy, Gin, etc., con¬ 
sidered to be 2/ to 5 ounces; smallest fatal dose 
cone. Alcohol, 3)4 to 7 ounces. 

Death has resulted in adults from half a pint of 
Gin; from 2 bottles of Port. Recovery from a quart 
of Gin, a quart of Whisky, 2 bottles of Port, a pint 
and a half of mixed Gin and Brandy. Death in child 
from )4 pint of Gin; also from 2 ounces of Gin; from 
1 ounce of Brandy. Recovery from 3 ounces of Rum. 

Death by paralysis of heart in minutes, hrs. or days. 

“Absolute Alcohol ” is Alcohol free from water. 
“ Proof Spirit ” is a mixture of spirit and water, con¬ 
taining 49.24 per cent, of Alcohol, i. e., about half 
and half. “ Methylated Spirit ” is spirit mixed with 


*For Alcohcl, Denatured, see p, 138. 



ALCOHOL. 


85 


io per cent, of Wood Naphtha. Percentage of Al¬ 
cohol in some alcoholic drinks: Brandy, 53; Rum, 
40 to 53; Whisky, 53 to 54; Gin, 40 to 51 ; Port, 20 
to 25; Sherry, 15 to 19; Burgundy, 13 to 14; Claret, 
10 to 17; Hock, 8 to 10; Strong Ale, 6; Stout, 6; 
Porter, 4; Small Beer, 1 to 2; Weiss Beer, 1; 
Cider, 6. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Confusion of mind; giddiness; relaxation of the 
whole body; tottering gait; hallucinations; stupor; 
anesthesia; coma; pulse rapid, weak, compressible; 
skin cool and moist; pupils usually dilated; face 
flushed, ghastly or bloated; temperature reduced; 
lips livid; conjunctivse red; breathing noisy; may 
be convulsions; coma. The symptoms of Alcohol 
poisoning often resemble apoplexy, concussion of 
brain, and Opium poisoning. There is an odor of 
Alcohol on the breath; may be bloody froth on lips. 
Important diagnostic sign: patient may usually be 
aroused for a short time. (See chart, Part X.) 
Sometimes apparent recovery, then sudden death 
after hours or days. 

TREATMENT: 

Provide fresh air. 

1. Evacuate the stomach; thoroughly syphon out 
the stomach with tepid water, or use an emetic of 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, 
repeated in 15 minutes if necessary), or Zinc Sul¬ 
phate (20 grains in half a wineglassful of water, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). Follow 
with a laxative and oil emulsion. 

Ammonium Chloride or Ammonium Carbonate 
(30 grains in p2 pint of water, at one draught) ; cold 
head-affusions sometimes remarkably restore. 

2. Support. Give Strychnine Nitrate (1/60 to 
1/20 grain every p2 to 2 hours hypodermically). To 
counteract the stupor give Aromatic Spirit of Am¬ 
monia (in p2 teaspoonful doses every 15 minutes 
or one-half as much hypodermically). Give inhala¬ 
tions of Aqua Ammonia, or use Amyl Nitrite (a 3 
or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in- 


86 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


haled, using one every 15 to 30 minutes), to encour¬ 
age respiration. Also give Atropine Sulphate, hypo¬ 
dermically (in 1/120 grain doses every ^ to 2 
hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (in 20 drop 
doses every y 2 to 2 hours). Give Caffein Citrate 
(1 to 4 grains every J / 2 to 2 hours), or strong coffee 
( y 2 pint). Digitalin hypodermically (1/100 gr. 
every *4 to 1 hour). 

3. Employ artificial heat (hot water bottles, or 
hot water in ordinary bottles, or bags of salt, bricks, 
plates, or stove-lids, heated, applied to feet and sides 
of body), to maintain bodily temperature; moist 
heat over kidneys. Cold affusions to head. Fric¬ 
tion. 

For asphyxia employ galvanic current; for 
mania, Hyoscine and Morphine. Catheterize a dis¬ 
tended bladder. Give oxygen. Use diuretics. Arouse. 

ALCOHOL, METHYL (METHYL HYDRATE, 
METHYL HYDROXIDE, “METHANOL,” 
WOOD ALCOHOL, WOOD NAPHTHA, 
WOOD SPIRIT, CARBINOL) 

Note: METHYLATED SPIRIT consists of 
Methyl Alcohol 10 parts and Ethyl Alcohol 90 
parts. 

HISTORY: 

The swallowing, or even the exposure to the 
fumes, or the cutaneous absorption, of Methyl Hy¬ 
droxide or Methanol—as it is now being called, 
since the refiners and others have so re-named it and 
now commonly label it—has produced serious re¬ 
sults. The drinking of Bay Rum, Essence of 
Ginger, and other preparations which have been 
made from it, or contain it, has produced more or 
less serious symptoms, even permanent blindness. 
It is quite evident that when swallowed it is im- 


WOOD ALCOHOL 


87 


perfectly oxidized in the body and Formaldehyd, 
Formic Acid or Sodium Formate is formed. Usu¬ 
ally, in actively poisonous doses, it attacks and dis¬ 
ables the retina and the optic nerve. 

It is distilled from birch, beech, maple, oak, elm, 
and alder. Crude Wood Alcohol is a complex mix¬ 
ture. It is “a vile-smelling, greenish-yellow to 
dark-brown, nauseous liquid.” When highly re¬ 
fined, pure and deodorized, it is colorless, has a 
burning taste, and a vinous odor. When deodorized 
(9 7+%), Methanol so closely resembles pure 
Ethanol that the average person can scarcely dis¬ 
tinguish the difference. It is then sometimes known 
as Acetone Alcohol, Purified Alcohol, “Bloom,” 
“Columbian Spirits,” “Eagle Spirits,” “Hasting’s 
Spirits,” “Colonial Spirits,” “Manhattan Spirits,” 
“Union Spirits,” “Lion d’Or,” etc. In Canada 
called “Greenwood Spirits,” “Standard Wood Spir¬ 
its,” etc. When mixed with Grain Alcohol, in 
various proportions, and drunk, it poisons in vary¬ 
ing degrees of severity. Painters, shellackers, dyers, 
rubber tire makers, etc., exposed to the fumes of 
breathing air charged with the poison may become 
poisoned. Fat people absorb less of it than lean. 
Blindness has resulted from free application of Bay 
Rum, liniments or toilet preparations, or use of 
flavoring extracts containing it. Sponging the sur¬ 
face of the body with Methanol, or even bathing in 
water containing it, has injured. Severe symptoms 
usually result from swallowing such small quantities 
as from 1 to 8 drams; taken pure, one teaspoonful 
has produced blindness, and one ounce, death. 
Death may occur soon after swallowing Methanol, 
or in one or two days, or even later. Recovery has 
occurred after taking half a pint. Prompt remedial 
measures strongly influence the result. If the poison 
is taken well diluted with Grain Alcohol, or if early 
vomiting occurs, or if prompt and suitable treat¬ 
ment is employed, a favorable result may com¬ 
monly be anticipated, at least as regards life. In 


87a 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


the early stages there is an acute acidosis; the 
poison is eliminated mainly thru lungs, skin, kid¬ 
neys and alimentary tract; the balance is oxidized 
into the corrosive formaldehyd and formic acid; 
latter is end product excreted by kidneys and re¬ 
duces Fehling’s Solution like sugar. The primary 
lesion may be injury to pituitary body. 

[Since active enforcement of the National Prohibition Amendment 
began, there have been very many cases of Wood Alcohol poisoning, 
owing to a wide use of it as a beverage or as an adulterant of various 
beverages. Sometimes such use was due to ignorance of its toxic char¬ 
acter and sometimes the result of deliberate and inhuman deception, 
inspired by greed. The Federal Government has severely penalized 
many of those who have thus sacrificed or jeopardized the lives or health 
of others. Gradually the general public has learned that Wood Alcohol 
is toxic at practically all strengths and in all of its various grades or 
degrees of refinement. The supply has been reduced through govern¬ 
mental forestry restrictions. There has been increased demand for it in 
various industries, which now require the full output. The market price 
has been rising until it is three times that of Denatured Grain Alcohol, 
although formerly less. Because Wood Alcohol (Methanol) was cheaper 
than Grain Alcohol (Ethanol), unscrupulous persons have taken every 
advantage of the fact. As Dr. Charles Baskerville so well says, they 
“were tempted to use it as a substitute for Ethanol in adulterating 
whiskey, essences, extracts, bitters, washes, liniments, balsams, perfumes, 
etc. The victims were generally those who indulged in the commoner 
forms of whiskey, rum and wine, although persons not addicted to the 
use of intoxicating drinks were undoubtedly often affected innocently 
from drinking Jamaica ginger, lemon extract, essences, bitters, medicines, 
etc., whose chief menstrum was deodorized wood alcohol.” 

The Federal Government now permits the addition of 1/5 as much 
Wood Alcohol, as was formerly required, when used in producing De¬ 
natured Grain Alcohol. In denaturing Grain Alcohol for use in the 
arts and industries, and to be tax free, it must have such a substance 
mixed with it as will “destroy its character as a beverage, or render it 
unfit for liquid medicinal purposes.” The Commissioner of Internal 
Revenue selected Wood Alcohol as the principal of various substances, 
such as benzin, formaldehyde, etc., which might be used for that pur¬ 
pose. But even at 2% strength it has been flavored, diluted, and used 
as a beverage by some, but with injurious effects. It is evident that 
a lower grade of Methanol, more nauseating and less toxic, will soon 
be used in producing Denatured Grain Alcohol. 

Employing the term Methanol for Wood Alcohol must greatly help to 
reduce any disposition on the part of the general public to consider it 
akin to Grain Alcohol (Ethanol) for beverage purposes; and thus, in 
conjunction with other facts above stated serve to greatly diminish the 
frequency of poisoning by it.] 


ALCOHOL 


87b 


SYMPTOMS: 

The symptoms and results vary according to the 
quantity and form in which the poison is taken, and 
the promptness and character of the treatment 
given. Unless a dose large enough to produce coma 
has been taken, the poisonous symptoms do not 
occur, usually, until the second or third day after 
taking the poison. The principal ordinary symp¬ 
toms produced by swallowing the poison are ex¬ 
hilaration, neusea, vomiting, and headache. There 
may be also abdominal distress, disturbance of 
vision (dimness, deficient accommodation and re¬ 
action to light, dilated pupils). Nausea, vomiting 
abdominal pain an»d sudden blindness, should cause 
suspicion of poisoning by Methanol. As a rule, if 
vision is disturbed it is observed by second day of 
symptoms, but may not be before the fifth. 

In a severe poisoning by swallowing, quite com¬ 
monly there is malaise, nausea, vomiting, muscular 
incoordination, confusion of mind, vertigo, weak, 
rapid pulse, ashy or cyanotic skin, pain over kid¬ 
neys, restlessness, diminished respiration, perhaps 
odor of the poison on the breath, incontinence of 
urine and feces, and a total blindness may ensue, 
which may be sudden; it occurs usually in from 12 
to 48 hours after first symptoms, if at all, and in a 
few days, or even a month, slight or nearly complete 
vision is restored; but frequently it is soon, again, 
and often permanently, lost, through optic atrophy, 
etc. There may be depression or excitement, even 
delirium, a sense of coming and going of sight, eye- 
bails sensitive to pressure and to rotation, perhaps 
loss of color sense, unconsciousness, semi-coma, 
death. The fumes often produce vomiting, head¬ 
ache, chills, vertigo and stupor; sometimes blind¬ 
ness and even death. In a chronic poisoning, due 
to daily or frequent exposure to the poison, the 
visual loss may be gradual and the other symptoms 
obscure. 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


8 7 c 


TREATMENT: 

The treatment is evacuant, neutralizing and elimi¬ 
native ; also stimulative and supportive. In carrying 
out these measures a great variety of agents and 
methods have been recommended and variously em¬ 
ployed. 

i. Evacuant, Neutralizing and Eliminative.—If it 

appears that the poison was swallowed within a 
short time (about ten or twelve hours), and some 
of it is still in the stomach, endeavor to wash it out, 
by using a stomach tube, with Sodium Citrate, 
Carbonate, or Bicarbonate (5 to 15 grains to the 
ounce), or Ammonium Carbonate (5 to 10 grains 
to the pint), or Magnesium Carbonate, or Oxide, 
in the lavage water; in their absence may use a 
weak soap-suds. With care this may be accom¬ 
plished even when the patient is unconscious. The 
lavage helps prevent further absorption of the 
poison, dilutes and tends to neutralize the effects of 
such poison as may have been excreted into the 
stomach, also dilutes the acid fluids present. If near¬ 
ly or quite conscious, and but little abdominal pain, 
instead of lavage, an emetic, such as Ipecac, Must¬ 
ard, soap-suds, Copper Sulphate, or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate (hypoderm.), may be employed, to 
empty the stomach. (Cases of early and free vomit¬ 
ing are less serious.) After emptying introduce into 
the stomach, preferably through the stomach tube, 
Magnesium or Sodium Sulphate (1^2 to 2 ozs., in an 
equal quantity of warm water). Croton Oil (a drop 
or two on the tongue) is given early, by some. If 
possible, lavage soon after giving purgative; then 
repeat latter salt and leave it in stomach. 

While waiting for action of purgative salt, also 
during the first day or longer, well to give Sodium 
Bicarbonate (2 drams to 1 pint of water) per rec¬ 
tum ; or in severe acidosis as in very active symp¬ 
toms may well give intravenously (1 pint of same 


WOOD ALCOHOL 87d 

or even double strength solution), observing aseptic 
precautions and avoiding introduction of air. 

When purgative salt has had an opportunity 
to produce its evacuant and other effects (usually 
in one to three hours), give by mouth small quanti¬ 
ties of a weak alkaline solution, such as Sodium 
Bicarbonate (J 4 to i dram in y 2 pint of water), or 
Carbonate (same), or Magnesium Carbonate, or 
Oxide (2 drams in y 2 pint of water), or Ammonium 
Carbonate (5 grs. in y 2 pint of water every two 
or three hours, for 12 to 15 hours) to alkalize and 
counteract the acidosis produced by the poison. 
When alkalization seems well induced the alkali 
may be required only 3 or 4 times a day (J4 to 1 
hour before meals) until recovery, but should in¬ 
crease the frequency, if the urine is not alkaline, 
until it is and less so maintains it. Giving Lime 
Water and milks occasionally helps. Excessive 
alkalosis should be avoided lest the kidneys be seri¬ 
ously irritated. A laxative Magnesium or Sodium 
salt should be employed daily or as needed, to main¬ 
tain a fairly free catharsis. Normal salt solution 
(9 grams of table salt in 1 liter of water, or about 
2)4 level teaspoonfuls to 1 quart of water, at ioo° 
to no 0 F.) per rectum, as an irrigation, also stim¬ 
ulates; or may well introduce and leave it in (34 
as much, ^ to 1 hour) ; or still better employ it 
subcutaneously (aseptically, not over one pint at 
one site, and at no° to 115 0 F.), or intravenously 
(also with due aseptic and air-exclusion precau¬ 
tions, and at about same temperature). Fischer’s 
solution (Sodium Carb. 0.37%; Sodium Chlorid 
1.4%) intravenously, or per rectum, is much favored 
by some. Hot packs, or Pilocarpine, Hydrochlor, 
()4 to y 2 grain, hypoderm.) used early to cause free 
perspiration may be very helpful. Potassium Iodid 
also Donovan’s Solution in small doses are favored 
for their eliminative effects. Elimination of the 
poison is by the lungs, kidneys and skin, also in 


S7e 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


the feces. The poison, as formic acid, etc., is also 
excreted into the stomach; gastric lavage for two 
or three days may therefore help much. 

2. Supportive.—In addition to the restorative 
effects of the salt solutions referred to above, the 
lagging forces may be aided by fresh air, a coffee 
enema (4 to 8 ozs. at 105° to 115 0 F.), or by Am¬ 
monia inhalations, to arouse, etc. Either Caffein 
( J / 2 to 1 grain every ^ to 2 hrs.), Camphorated Oil 
(15 minims), or Camphor in Almond Oil (1 or 2 
grs.) or Digitalin (1/100 gr. every ^ to 2 hrs), or 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/100 to 1/40 gr. every y 2 to 2 
hrs.), given hypodermically, is helpful. Give each 
less often as condition improves. Apply heat to 
the body and feet if the temperature is lowered. 
Apply moist heat over the kidneys. Give Atropine 
Sulphate (1/120 gr. every ^ to 2 hrs.) hypoderm. 
to increase frequency of heart action and respiratory 
strength and relieve cyanosis. Aromatic Spirit 
of Ammonia (15 minims, hypoderm., every to y 2 
hour). Oxygen inhalations, and artificial respira¬ 
tion, may prove very helpful in pulmonary or car¬ 
diac failure. 

Epinephrin (Adrenalin) solution (15 minims of 
1 to 10,000 solution, subcutaneously; or much better, 
diluted with saline solution to 1 to 100,000 and used 
intravenously), or Thyroid Body for lowered blood 
pressure. Also solution of Pituitary Body (Liquor 
Hypophysis—from the posterior lobe—16 minims 
hypoderm. repeated in ^4 to 1 hour if required) to 
stimulate or to compensate for pituitary injury 
when such seems to be indicated for incoordination 
symptoms. Sodium Carbonate, or Citrate, or Borax, 
or soap-suds enemas may aid. Venesection is rec¬ 
ommended for a severe congestion of the venous 
circulation; if present, remove 3 to 6 ounces of 
blood before giving an intravenous solution. Cal¬ 
cium Chlorid in 10 grain doses, 3 times a day, may 
be useful. In coma, use warm baths, then cold af¬ 
fusions. Galvanism for asphyxia, etc.—Ziegler ad¬ 
vises negative galvanism, high voltage and low am- 


ALKALIES 


87/ 


perage, applied directly to eye, for blindness, unless 
there has been complete destruction of nerve fibers. 
Hyoscine for mania, or Morphine as a sedative, if re¬ 
quired. As recovery progresses, give liquid foods, 
such as milk, thin custard, chicken broth, etc., until 
it is well advanced. Demulcents, milk of magnesia, 
etc., may be found useful at any time. 

ALKALIES: AMMONIA—BARYTA (see Bar¬ 
ium)—Lime (q. v.)—POTASSA—SODA, and 
Their Carbonates. 

HISTORY: 

Aqua Ammonia is sometimes taken by mistake 
for Lime Water or other Liquid of similar appear¬ 
ance. Ammonia Liniment taken in a similar way. 
Caustic Potash is rarely taken except by accident. 

[In contrast to acids, in poisoning, alkalies do not withdraw water 
from the tissues and precipitate albumen, but dissolve the latter.] 

Fatal dose: 2 drachms strong solution of Am¬ 
monia may be fatal; 4 drachms usually so, but an 
ounce has been recovered from. Death from y 2 oz. 
Caustic Potash. Death usually in 24 hours; may be 
months. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Burning pain from mouth to stomach; difficulty 
in swallowing; vomiting (alkaline) ; may be vomit¬ 
ing and purging of mucus and blood; skin cold 
and clammy; pulse feeble; anxious countenance; 
rapid exhaustion; symptoms of suffocation; convul¬ 
sions ; stupor or coma may be developed. 

(Excessive inhalations of Ammonia are poisonous 
or fatal by the resulting irritation and bronchitis). 

(Baryta Muriate and Carbonate produce also 
headache, deafness, and dimness of sight.) 

TREATMENT: 

1. As antidotes, give diluted acids, especially vege¬ 
table acids: Vinegar and water, equal parts; Acetic 



88 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


Acid, diluted (a teaspoonful in pint of water); 
Citric Acid or Tartaric Acid (j/2 to 2 drachms in a 
pint of water), or clear lemon or orange juice, freely. 
Vinegar with Caustic Potash forms the almost 
harmless Potassium Acetate. 

The fixed oils (such as Castor, Cod Liver, Lin¬ 
seed, Almond, and Olive) form soaps with the free 
alkalies, and consequently destroy their caustic ef¬ 
fects. Butter may be employed. 

If there are signs of corrosion, as indicated by 
severe pain, collapse, etc., do not use stomach- 
pump, stomach-tube, or emetics, for fear of per¬ 
foration or rupture. 

Assist vomiting by copious draughts of tepid 
water. For inflammation apply leeches. 

2. Give demulcents .(such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated or inflamed surfaces. Ice cream, ice. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sul¬ 
phate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 

to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hy¬ 
podermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (in 10 to 15 drop doses). Tincture of 
Digitalis (30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypo¬ 
dermically, every y to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 
grain hypodermicallly every y 2 to 1 hour), or Caf- 
fein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every y to 1 hour), and 
inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every y 2 to 1 hour if necessary) may be used for the 
same purposes. Strong coffee is helpful. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks* plates, or stove-lids, heated, 


ALKALOIDS. 


89 


applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. May apply cold over pain. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains 
every y 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
y to 2 hours by mouth, or p2 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently) or Morphine Sulphate ( x /\ 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every y 2 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

If life is threatened by cedema, promptly per¬ 
form tracheotomy. When a dangerous quantity 
of Ammonia has been inhaled, give inhalations of 
Acetic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorine Water, 
or Vinegar. Relieve pain by slight Chloroform 
inhalation. Rectal feeding if required. 

ALKALOIDS. 

HISTORY: 

Tannin forms a comparatively insoluble tannate 
with alkaloids. Potassium Permanganate is useful 
for many alkaloids. [In poisoning by 2 alkaloids 
treat the prominent symptoms.] 

TREATMENT : 

Give Tannic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Albumin, Iodine, 
Charcoal, strong coffee or tea, emetics and cathartics. 

For symptons and treatment in detail see each 
alkaloid under respective title. 

ALOES—BRYONIA — COLOCYNTH — ELA- 
TERIUM (SQUIRTING CUCUMBER)— 
ELATERIN—E U P H O R B I U M—GAM¬ 
BOGE—“HIERAPICRA”—JALAP (q. v.) 
—MEZEREON—PHYSIC NUT—SCAM- 
MONY, and similar Vegetable Irritants. 

HISTORY: 

Fatal dose: Aloes, y> to y$ oz.; Podophyllin, 5 
to 10 gr.; Elaterium, 6 or 8 grs. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Severe irritation of the intestinal canal, causing 
pain, vomiting, and purging; cold sweats; usually 
great prostration; sometimes convulsions; collapse. 


90 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT : 

1. Evacuate the stomach (if not emptied) : sy¬ 
phon out stomach with stomach-tube, using much 
water, with 3Z> pint milk or oil. If stomach-tube 
not at hand, or poisonous substance is too large to 
be removed by it, use Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in a 
tablespoonful of water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes 
if necessary), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 
hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated in 10 to 30 
minutes if necessary). Give tepid water freely. 

If the irritant has passed out of the stomach into 
the intestines, but not away, a purgative, such as 
Castor Oil (1 to 2 tablespoonfuls), or Epsom Salt (1 
to 2 tablespoonfuls) should be given to remove it. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, elm or flaxseed tea, oatmeal gruel, 
gelatin, starch or barley water, flour and water, or 
crushed bananas) to soothe the inflamed or irri¬ 
tated surfaces. Afterwards enemata of the same 
are soothing. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (a teaspoonful in water 
every 10 to 30 minutes, or y teaspoonful as often 
hypodermically). 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, in 1 to 2 grain 
doses every y 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (10 to 20 
drops in water every ^ to 2 hours), or Morphine 
Sulphate (pj grain hypodermically or by mouth 
every y 2 to 2 hours), to relieve the pain and quiet 
the nervous system. 

5. Maintain the body heat (by applying hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 
bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to body and extremities). Apply hot fo¬ 
mentations to the abdomen. 

ALUM. 

TREATMENT: 

Administer Ammonium or Potassium Carbonate 
or Bicarbonate as antidote. Use emetic and demulcents. 


AMYL NITRITE. 


91 


AMYL NITRITE —NITRITE OF ETHYL — 
NITRITE OF POTASSIUM—NITRITE OF 
SODIUM—AMYL ACETATE (PEAR OIL). 

SYMPTOMS: 

At first there is a violent heart action and flushing, 
from dilation of the capillaries; then there is di¬ 
minished heart action and contraction of the capil¬ 
laries ; then follow great muscular relaxation ; grad¬ 
ual loss of reflexes; yellow vision; pallor; dilated 
pupils ; slow pulse ; irregular respiration ; sometimes 
vomiting and convulsions. Blyth says “Warm 
blooded animals may be thrown by Amyl Nitrite in¬ 
to a cataleptic condition. It is not an anesthetic, 
and by its use consciousness is not destroyed, unless 
a condition approaching death be first produced. 
When this occurs, there is rarely recovery; the ani¬ 
mal passes into actual death.” 

TREATMENT: 

N. B.—Whether poison was swallowed or inhaled, 
put patient in horizontal position and provide plenty 
of fresh air. 

1. If the poison has been swallowed, evacuate the 
stomach; syphon out stomach with a stomach-tube, 
or use a hypodermic injection of Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate (i/io grain). For Acetate, Sod. Bicarb. 

2. Support. Give Brandy or Whisky (in table¬ 
spoonful doses every 5 to 10 minutes, or Bt tea " 
spoonful doses hypodermically every 5 to 10 min¬ 
utes). Give Strychnine Sulphate, hypodermically 
(1/60 to 1/20 grain every B2 to 2 hours). Aid heart 
by Tincture of Digitalis (15 drops every 10 to 20 
minutes), or give Digitalin (1/100 grain every y 2 to 
2 hours). May give Atropine and Ergotin. 

3. Douche. Use alternate hot and cold douches 
to the chest. 

4. Resort to artificial respiration if necessary 
(rhvthmically raise and lower arms from straight 


92 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


at sides to up over head and back again, 20 times a 
minute). 

If the poison has been inhaled, employ Nos. 2, 
3 and 4. 

ANESTHETICS: CHLOROFORM — ETHER 
—NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)— 

ETC. (Chloral, p.119.) 

HISTORY: 

Chloroform is sometimes swallowed by mistake, 
but usually for suicidal purposes. Death from it is, 
however, usually the result of inhaling too much as 
an anesthetic. Ether is a less dangerous anesthetic 
than Chloroform, usually less productive of vomit¬ 
ing, and stimulates heart action. A sleeping person 
awakens almost instantly upon being exposed to the 
vapor of Chloroform. A true sudden narcosis is im¬ 
possible. Chloroform kills 1 in 3000; ether, 1 in 16.000. 

Fatal dose: Fatal dose by inhalation of Chloro¬ 
form, from 15 drops up; by mouth, 1 drachm in boy 
of 14 years; half an ounce in adult; recovery from 
5 ounces by mouth in adult. Probable fatal dose of 
Ether by mouth, 1 ounce; Chloroform, 1^ ounces. 

Death usually by paralysis of respiration. In a 
few cases by cardiac paralysis. But in poisoning by 
Nitrous Oxide death is invariably due to asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Chloroform: Stertorous, irregular, shallow breath¬ 
ing; dilated pupils; appearance of cloud passing 
over face; conjunctiva may be touched without pa¬ 
tient flinching. Symptoms are same when taken by 
mouth as when vapor is inhaled, but fatal results are 
deferred. 

Ether (Sulphuric Ether): Cyanosis; jugular pul¬ 
sation ; action of diaphragm suspended, followed by 
thoracic paralysis; weak, rapid pulse; shallow, 
labored, stertorous breathing; great reduction of 
body temperature; dropping of jaw. (Effects 
longer in appearing than in Chloroform). 


ANESTHETICS. 


93 


Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A prominent 
symptom, usually, is delirious laughter. 

TREATMENT: 

When inhaled: 

i. Remove anesthetic; invert patient; draw 
tongue well forward with forceps, or out and in 15 

times a minute; maintain inverted position until 
pulse and respiration are good; expose patient to a 
current of pure air, or give Oxygen. Dash, alter¬ 
nately, hot and cold water on face and chest; in Ether 
poisoning also dash Ether on chest and abdomen. 

Resort to artificial respiration without delay 
(slowly and regularly sweep extended arms up over 
head and back to sides, repeating 18 times a minute). 
Employ a weak electric current to encourage the 
action of the diaphragm; one pole on the pit of the 
stomach, other on the larynx. May bandage ex¬ 
tremities and compress abdomen to confine blood to 
vital centers. 

'2. Give hypodermic injection of Atropine Sulphate 
(1/120 grain, repeated every ^ to 2 hours) and 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain every % 
to 2 hours), and Tincture of Digitalis (10 to 20 
minims), or Digitalin (1/100 grain every % to 2 
hours. May also give Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
(15 minims in water every 10 to 30 minutes), by 
mouth or hypodermically. Give an enema of hot 
strong cofifee (a pint). Amyl Nitrite, Nitroglycerine, 
or Adrenalinchlorid (subcutan.), may also be used. 

Apply Mustard to calves of legs and over heart. 

Avoid hypodermic injections of Ether or Alcohol. 

If heart is stopped, two or three blows on the 
chest may start it; sustain by rhythmical pressure 
over it. May arouse by slapping with wet towel. 

3. Employ friction and apply external heat, in 
either poisoning (hot water bottles, or ordinary 
bottles containing hot water, or bags of salt, bricks, 
plates, or stove-lids, heated, applied to the feet and 
sides of the body), to maintain bodily temperature. 


94 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Dash Ether on chest and abdomen for shock stim¬ 
ulation. Also give inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 
3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 3^ to 1 hour if necessary), 
or inhalations of Ammonia. 

As relapse may occur, do not leave patient for 
some time after apparent recovery. 

When swallowed: If Chloroform or Ether have 
been swallowed. 

i. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using water freely, or 
tickle fauces with a feather, or give Mustard (a 
tablespoonful in a wineglassful of water and repeat 
in 15 minutes if necessary), or give Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (in 1/10 grain 
doses). Zinc or Copper Sulphate also after syphoning. 

Give copious draughts of water containing 1 to 2 
teaspoonfuls of Sodium Bicarbonate or Carbonate 
as antidote. Use Oxygen, artif. resp., stimulants. 

Demulcents may be necessary. Glucose retards. 

4. Give Opium, to relieve pain when necessary.— 
(Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains every V2 to 2 
hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every ^ to 2 hours 
by mouth, or 34> teaspoonful in gruel by rectum as 
frequently) or Morphine Sulphate (34 grain by 
mouth or hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), to 
relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

Remainder of treatment as in poisoning by in¬ 
halation. 

ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE PROTEINS (See 

page 224 a). 

ANTIMONY AND ITS COMPOUNDS: AN- 
TIMONIAL WINE —TARTAR EMETIC — 
ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Antimony has been taken by mistake for Epsom 
Salt, also for Sodium Carbonate. Has also been 
considerably used for secret poisoning and murder. 
The ointment has poisoned externally applied. The 


ANTIMONY AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


95 


action of Antimony has been mistaken for the effects 
of diseases, such as gastric or intestinal ulcer or 
cholera; also for Arsenic poisoning. Antimony is, 
however, sometimes contaminated with Arsenic. 
Test urine and vomited matter for Antimony to dis¬ 
tinguish from disease. In poisoning by Antimony, 
urine never suppressed as in Arsenic. Prompt treat¬ 
ment is highly important. In incessant vomiting 
suspect Antimony compounds or Zinc. 

Fatal dose: Tartar Emetic, grain has caused 
serious symptoms; ^4 grain killed a child in an 
hour; 2 grains killed an adult; oz. has been re¬ 
covered from. Death from 2 oz. Antim. Trichlor. 

Death usually in 24 hours from cardiac paralysis. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Metallic taste in mouth; violent vomiting of mu¬ 
cus, bile, watery fluid, or blood; purging of intes¬ 
tinal contents, then mucus, bile, and perhaps blood, 
followed soon by rice water stools; pulse impercept¬ 
ible ; respiration shallow; face pinched, livid, and 
covered by cold sweat; cramps in legs; pain and 
burning in stomach; difficulty in swallowing; great 
thirst; debility. 

TREATMENT: 

Put patient in horizontal position, head lower 
than feet. 

The chemical antidotes are Tannic Acid, which 
forms the insoluble tannate (give 5 to 20 grains in 
a wineglassful of water), or Gallic Acid (same), in¬ 
fusion of oak bark, galls, etc., followed by white of 
egg. May give as an antidote Magnesium or So¬ 
dium Carbonate (2 to 4 tablespoonfuls in 4 to 8 

ounces of water). . 

1. If patient has not vomited, syphon out stomach 
with stomach-tube, or tickle fauces with feather or 
finger to induce vomiting, or give Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (in 1/10 grain doses). 
Give plenty of strong coffee or tea. After syphon¬ 
ing may lavage stomach with solution Tannin (10 to 
30 grs. to pint of water). Avoid tube in Chloride 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


m 


2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated or inflamed surfaces. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 

bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Mustard to epigastrium. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
34 to 2 hours by mouth, or half a teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (34 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every 34 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain, nervous irritability, etc. 

5. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 
to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypodermically as 
frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 
to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours) 
and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every 32 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every *4 to 2 hours). Tincture of 
Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every 34 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 to 1 hour), or 
Cafifein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for 
the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee may 
also be given. 

ARROW POISON : The sap or dried juices of 
plants belonging to the Strychnos (including 
the Curare combinations) and Strophanthus 
families, also the Euphorbiaciae (Spurges). 
Also such proteins as snake venom; etc. (q.v.). 


ARSENIC 


97 


ARSENIC: ARSENOUS ACID — ARSENICAL 
FLY PAPER —COBALT SALTS — DONO¬ 
VAN’S SOLUTION — FLY STONE — 
FOWLER’S SOLUTION —RAT PASTE — 
“ROUGH ON RATS” — PARIS GREEN 
(ACETO—ARSENITE OF COPPER)— 
SCHEELE’S GREEN (ARSENITE OF 
COPPER)—POISONOUS INSECT POW¬ 
DER — ETC. 


HISTORY: 

Arsenic in one form or another is quite a common 
poison, has almost no taste and is therefore easily given. 
Poisoning occurs bv intent, also from grinding Arsenic 
in mills, from vapor in smelting copper, from handling 
or manufacturing certain wall papers, etc., and from 
various uses in the arts. It is a constituent of various 
insecticides and used to destroy vermin, various 
weeds, and in stuffing birds and animals; also for 
various preservative purposes, to improve the coats 
of horses, and by dentists in destroying nerves in 
teeth. Has been taken by mistake for “ Salts ” or 
Magnesia. Arsenic with Phosphorus and ground 
glass is said to be a constituent of a certain rat 
poison. (Some vermin killers contain Strychnine; 
some Corrosive Sublimate.) External applications of 
arsenic may inflame stomach and intestines and kill. 

Fatal Dose : Apparently a dose of 3 grains of Arsenic 
is fatal; but recovery from much more, and probable 
from 1 grain ; also when a large dose produces prompt 
and copious vomiting. Death from 2 or 2^/2 grains 
White Arsenic; also from ^ ounce Fowler’s Solution. 

Death usually occurs within 24 hours. May occur 
in 20 minutes, or not for two weeks. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Burning pain in the esophagus and stomach; 
pain in stomach is increased by pressure, soon 
spreads over abdomen ; there is frontal headache; 
colicky pains; sense of constriction in throat, and 
irritating metallic taste in mouth; more or less 


98 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


violent, often bloody vomiting and purging; rejected 
matters, first mucus, then bilious, of a yellowish, 
brownish, or greenish color, or blue (indigo), or 
black (soot) ; stools may become serous or bloody; 
pulse is small, feeble, and frequent; breathing diffi¬ 
cult and rapid; great thirst; urine suppressed; face 
swollen; extremities very cold; cramps in calves; 
cyanosis, followed by cramps; convulsions; coma; 
death. Nettle-rash-like, papular, vesicular or pustu¬ 
lar skin eruption in protracted cases. [Symptoms ap¬ 
pear in y 2 to 3 hours.] Atrophy and degeneration of 
gastric follicles may result. 

TREATMENT: 

i. Syphon out stomach with stomach-tube if pa¬ 
tient is seen soon after taking poison; if not, give 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a wineglassful of 
water), or Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls of water every 15 minutes if necessary), or 
Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in a wineglassful 
of water every 5 to 10 minutes until vomiting re¬ 
sults), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results) ; or give a 
hypodermic injection of Apomorphine Hydro¬ 
chlorate (1/10 grain repeated every 15 minutes until 
effective). Give hot milk before or during evacuation. 

The chemical antidote should be given before or when 
evacuating the stomach; also evacuate after it. 
(P- S 3 -) 

The chemical antidote is Hydrated Sesquioxide of 
Iron. In emergency may prepare it by adding an ex¬ 
cess of weak Aqua Ammonia to the Tincture or 
Solution of Chloride of Iron 1 oz., Water 15 oz.; then 
after collecting the precipitate in muslin and wash¬ 
ing it with water, give 2 or 3 tablespoonfuls of pre¬ 
cipitate every 10 minutes until symptoms are im¬ 
proved ; then evacuate and repeat. Well to give with 
the antidote some Calcined Magnesia freely, in water. 

Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum Magnesia—the of¬ 
ficial antidote —made byprecipitatingsolution of Ter- 
sulphate of Iron by Magnesia, is usually considered 


ARSENIC. 


99 


best antidote. Give often in y 2 oz. doses or more. Or 
give: Tr. Chloride of Iron 2 oz. ; Water 2 pints; Mag¬ 
nesia to excess, in 4 doses 15-30 min. apart. May give 
Dialysed Iron ( 3 34-6 followed by salt 3 1, every ^to 4 
hrs.) Follow any Iron antidote by y oz. Castor Oil. 

If no other antidotes, may use freely raw eggs 
beaten up in milk with Magnesia; also sugar in milk, 
which forms insoluble compound with Arsenous Acid. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, oil, 
gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch water, 
oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or even crushed 
bananas), to soothe and protect the irritated or in¬ 
flamed surfaces. Also give alkaline mineral waters. 

3. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grs. every 
y 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (10 to 20 drops every y to 
2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel by rectum 
as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (34 grain by 
mouth or hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), to re¬ 
lieve pain and nervous irritability. 

4. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 
to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypodermically as 
frequently) ; for cramp Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 
to 1/20 grain hypodermically every y 2 \.o 2 hours) 
and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every y 2 to 2 hours) to prevent col¬ 
lapse. Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every >4 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every 34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every J4 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts, of 
strong coffee may also be given. Saline solution 
(5, p. 118). 

5. Employ artificial heat (such 


as hot water 


100 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Also poultices over stomach. 

6. Give large draughts of water containing Sweet 
Spirit of Nitie (2 to 4 teaspoonfuls), to relieve the 
tendency to suppression of urine. Ice for thirst. 

ATROPINE. 

(See Belladonna). 

AUTO-INTOXICATION — INTESTINAL 
AUTO-INTOXICATION; FERMENTATION 
AUTO-INTOXICATION AND PUTREFAC¬ 
TION AUTO-INTOXICATION. ALIMEN¬ 
TARY TOXEMIA, AUTO-TOXEMIA. [Intes¬ 
tinal Fermentation and Intestinal Putrefaction.] 

HISTORY: 

* [Auto-intoxication, perhaps, is best defined to be the result 
of an abnormal general metabolism, or of an abnormal decom¬ 
position, originating in the digestive tract—a fermentative or 
a putrefactive process, or both. The term food-poisoning is 
applied to the effect produced by the ingestion of foods already 
in a state of decomposition or in some way poisoned or poison¬ 
ous before being taken as food. (See Food, Poisonous, p. 144.) 

Under food-poisoning would be included the ptomain poison¬ 
ing, so called, which is due to the ingestion of a protein de¬ 
composed previous to its ingestion; also botulism, tyrotoxicon 
and various similar meat, fish, milk, etc., poisonings, from the 
ingestion of food unfit for or unsuited to human consumption, 
ordinarily. 

Constipation interferes with the elimination of waste mate¬ 
rial of toxin-producing, or toxic substances in the ali¬ 
mentary canal, consequently a more or less serious train of 
symptoms readily results. Poisonous principles may be pro¬ 
duced in the alimentary canal and if not destroyed or not 
eliminated from it, may be absorbed into the blood and poison 
the tissues of the body. A condition of alimentary auto- 
toxemia. 

The digestive, absorptive and assimilative vascular, nervous 
and eliminating functions of the body are more or less as dis¬ 
ordered by the auto-toxemic condition—constituting a disturb¬ 
ance of metabolism. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Fermentation Auto-intoxication—(The effects of an alimen¬ 
tary decomposition, mainly of a fermentative character.) 


* Author’s uncondensed text. 



AUTO-INTOXICATION, ETC. 


100a 


The symptoms exhibited by this variety of poisoning are 
produced mainly by a pathological or abnormal fermentation of 
carbohydrate foods—the starches and sugars—perhaps aug¬ 
mented and aggravated by the presence of their food associates. 
The fermentation processes of the carbohydrate foods produce 
carbon dioxide, acetic, butyric, formic, lactic, propionic, succinic, 
valerianic and other organic acids, and acrid-acetone or ketone ; 
an alcoholic fermentation also occurs. The symptoms are 
eminently more mechanical than toxic. The chief symptoms 
are: Gastrointestinal^ distension, ,sense of epigastric and 

abdominal oppression and tenderness; more or less belching, 
palpitation, dyspnea, anxiety, irritability, nausea, labored vomit¬ 
ing, constipation, coated tongue, offensive breath and stools 
(scanty), feverishness, headache, languor, and exhaustion. The 
severity of the symptoms are largely dependent upon the char¬ 
acter of the food taken and of the bacili present, as regards the 
fermentative activity; also upon the gastro-intestinal mobility, 
the rate at which the fermentation products are absorbed, and 
upon the promptness and vigor of the eliminative measures. 

Putrefaction Auto-intoxication.— (The effects of an aliment¬ 
ary decomposition, mainly of a putrefactive character.) 

The symptoms exhibited by this variety of poisoning are due 
mainly or primarily to an intestinal pathological or abnormal 
decomposition of proteid or albuminous foods. These bacilli- 
instigated, putrefactive processes occur chiefly in the large in¬ 
testine ; but they may take place in the small intestine and ex¬ 
tend into the stomach; or the digestive disturbance may begin 
in the stomach with a fermentation or some imperfect digestive 
process by which highly irritant food enters the intestine; and 
in the presence of very many bacteria, various toxic products 
may result and be absorbed; gastric hyperacidity, and more 
particularly hypermotility of the stomach, are conducive to a 
putrefactive process. 

In such a process sulphur and nitrogen compounds are 
formed—chiefly those related to beneze, and called coal-tar, 
aromatic, or closed-chain compounds. Among such are cresol, 
indol, phenol, skatol, free nitrogen and hydrogen; acid carbu- 
retted and sulphuretted hydrogen also are produced; cadaverin, 
cystin, leucin, neurin, intrescin, etc., also the blood and nerv¬ 
ous system particularly exhibit the effects of the putrefaction. 

This form of auto-intoxication is characterized by symptoms 
which are more of a toxic than of a mechanical nature—there 
is less abdominal distension and tenderness than in the fermen¬ 
tation form; breath and stools are more foul, usually, and 
headache more severe and persistent. Vertigo, skin discoloration 
and eruptions are quite common and severe, also vomiting and 
diarrhoea; dyspnea, feeble heart action and intense exhaustion 
with perhaps stupor and collapse may follow* 

*Author’s uncondenscd text. 

TREATMENT: 

Evacuation of the stomach and a free catharsis 



1003 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


should promptly be secured. Wash out the stomach 
with Bicarbonate of Soda water (i or 2 level teaspoon¬ 
fuls to the quart of water), or use plain water if 
other is not convenient. Use much water, and repeat 
if food or bile come away, but incompletely; if such 
lavage cannot be employed may give an emetic of mus¬ 
tard (i tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, re¬ 
peated in io minutes if not effective, or syrup of Ipecac, 
a teaspoonful every io minutes until vomiting results 
or until 3 doses are taken; or, if stomach appears to be 
in foul condition and vomiting seems desirable, may 
give Ahomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically, 
1/10 grain, (repeated in 10 or 15 minutes if necessary). 
In a few minutes give Calomel (5 grains) or Castor 
Oil (U> oz. or both), judged by torpidity of liver and 
intestines; follow in 15 min. with copious drafts of 
water. Intestinal lavage with hot, normal salt solution 
(2*4 level teaspoonfuls to the quart), may be found 
very helpful. Salines, as Epsom, or Rochelle Salt, or a 
Seidlitz Powder. After 20 or 30 minutes, water should 
be drunk freely to help wash the alimentary canal. 
Various antiseptics, such as Creosote Salol, Bismuth, 
Subgallate or Beta Naphtha, Bromide may help de¬ 
stroy the poisons. Supportive treatment followed by 
a bitter tonic, should be found serviceable. 

If necessary draw the urine. Use of the Opium 
salts, if necessary to relieve pain in head, etc. 

Employ Heat; hot water to the feet, and hot 
bricks, bottles, or water bags to the body. Apply 
a mustard paste to the feet and over the heart. 

Arouse by alternate hot and cold douches to chest. 
Apply cold to head. Give Chloral or Hysocine for de¬ 
lirium. 

Stimulate. Give 15 to 30 drop doses of Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia, and Brandy or Whiskey (a 
teaspoonful in water by mouth, or ^4 teaspoonful 
teaspoonful in water by mouth, (or Y\ teaspoonful 
monia Water to the nostrils. Give strong coffee. 

Employ artificial respiration if respiration is 
interfered with (rhythmically raise and lower arms 
from sides to up over head and back again, 18 to 20 
times per minute). 


BARIUM AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


101 


BARIUM AND ITS COMPOUNDS: BARIUM 
ACETATE — BARIUM CHLORIDE — 
BARIUM NITRATE — BARIUM OXIDE 
(BARYTA)—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Barium Chloride is sometimes mistaken for Ep¬ 
som Salt. Barium Nitrate has been mistaken for 
Sulphur. 

Fatal dojsij: Death has resulted from ioo grains 
of Barium Chloride in 15 hours; death has resulted 
from a drachm of Barium Carbonate; half an ounce 
of Barium Cnloride has been fatal in 2 hours; half 
an ounce of the Nitrate of Baryta killed a man in 
6J/2 hours. Recovery from 370 grs. Chloride. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Abdominal pains; cramps; purging; vomiting; 
feeble pulse; labored and short respiration; dilated 
pupils; excessive urination; loss of voice, sight or 
hearing; convulsions; collapse; death. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, or give Mustard (a tablespoon¬ 
ful in a wineglassful of water), or Zinc Sulphate 
(20 grains in ^ wineglassful of water), or inject 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain). Repeat in 15 minutes if necessary. 

As an antidote, give Dilute Sulphuric Acid (^2 to 

1 teaspoonful in a wineglassful of water), or give 
Aromatic Sulphuric Acid (same amount), or Mag¬ 
nesium or Sodium Sulphate ( l / 2 to 1 ounce, or 1 to 

2 tablespconfuls, in a cupful of water, or all three 
may be given together in much water. The purpose in 
such treatment is to produce the insoluble Barium 
Sulphate. May give Pulverized Alum (1 drachm in 
V 2 cupful of water). Again wash out stomach. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 


102 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

3. Stimulate, if there are signs of collapse, with 
Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 10 to 
15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful doses hypodermically 
as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
(a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes, or 54 teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 
1/20 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours) and 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every 34 to 2 hours), to prevent col¬ 
lapse. Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every 34 to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every 34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. Chloral for spasm. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
34 to 2 hours by mouth, or 34 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently) or Morphine Sulphate (34 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every 44 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

5. Apply poultices, mustard paste or hot water 
bag, or cloths wrung out in hot water to abdomen. 

BELLADONNA (DEADLY NIGHT SHADE) 
— ATROPINE — HOMATROPINE — HY- 
OSCYAMUS — HYOSCY AMINE — HYOS- 
CINE — STRAMONIUM (JAMESTOWN 
WEED, THORN APPLE, DEVIL’S AP¬ 
PLE) — DATURINE — DULCAMARA — 
SOLANINE — DUBOISIA — DUBOISINE 
— SCOPOLAMINE, ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Belladonna: Belladonna berries are sometimes 
eaten by mistake. Infusion of leaves, and extract 


belladonna. 


10 a 


have also been taken for other substances. The 
plaster has poisoned by application. Hyoscyamus 
has been eaten for parsnips by mistake. The seeds 
have likewise been accidentally mixed with celery 
seeds and used in cooking - . The tincture has been 
mistaken for black draught. Stramonium has been 
used to intoxicate and for murder, in which case it 
is sometimes mixed with sugar, tobacco or flour. 
An infusion of the leaves has been accidentally taken 
for an herb tea, and children have been poisoned by 
eating the seeds. Extract of Stramonium has been 
accidentally substituted for an extract of Sarsapa¬ 
rilla. Atropine, etc., externally, poison. 

The prognosis usually is good. 

Fatal dose: Death from Atropine poisoning usu¬ 
ally takes place within 6 hours, and if life is pro¬ 
longed to 8 hours, recovery is very probable. Most 
cases recover under treatment. Death has resulted 
from a drachm of the Belladonna Liniment, and re¬ 
covery has occurred from y 2 an ounce. Fatal re¬ 
sults from a few ripe berries; recovery after eating 
50 berries. Death from Extract of Belladonna 1 
drachm in 2^ hours; also recovery from 3 drachms 
of it. Children will take almost as much as adults, 
as a rule. Death from 1/20 grain Atropine subcu¬ 
taneously; also from 1/12 grain by mouth, and 
death is likely when 1 grain has been taken and no 
treatment follows. Recovery from 5 gr. Sulphate. 
Death from Bs oz. Tincture. Death may occur in 1 
or 2 hours; usually within 15 hours. Death by car¬ 
diac paralysis. 100 seeds of Stramonium killed child 
2 years old. Recovery after J / 2 ounce of leaves in¬ 
fused in boiling water. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Heat and dryness in mouth and throat; great 
thirst, which nothing allays; greatly dilated pupils; 
indistinct and double vision; giddiness; dry skin, 
perhaps scarlatinal kind of rash; nausea; vomiting; 
stupor following delirium; may be excitement, wild 
talk, laughter and fanciful delusions; rapid pulse; 
convulsions; coma; death. Sometimes desire but 


104 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


inability to urinate. Face sometimes red and 
swollen. The symptoms usually appear in from y 2 
to 2 hours after taking the poison. Scopolamine ef¬ 
fects are similar to those of Atropine, but do not pro¬ 
duce dryness of mouth or throat nor the intense 
thirst; and rash and vomiting may be absent. 

TREATMENT: 

Before syphoning out the stomach or giving an 
emetic, give Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (20 grains 
in a wineglassful of water, immediately followed 
by another glassful of water) as an antidote to the 
poison. Charcoal or a strong decoction of oak bark 
or tea may be given instead. If none of these are at 
hand, give a mixture of Iodine 1 grain, Potassium 
Iodide 10 grains, in a wineglassful of water. Empty 
stomach in 5 or 10 min. Pot. Permang. is good: (See 
Opium). 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using much water; or give 
Mustard (1 tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, 
repeated in 10 to 20 minutes if necessary), or Zinc 
Sulphate (20 grains in half a wineglassful of water, 
repeated in 10 to 20 minutes if necessary), or Ipe¬ 
cacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or 
Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 15 minutes 
until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hydro- 
chlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated in 10 
to 20 minutes if necessary). Follow with Sweet 
Spirit of Nitre (in teaspoonful doses), or Pilocarpine 
Nitrate, the most perfect antagonist ()4 grain), to 
encourage elimination of the poison. Atropine 
dries, Pilocarpine moistens the skin; Atropine ac¬ 
celerates the respiration, Pilocarpine slows it. 

2. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, in 1 to 2 grain 
doses every ^ to 2 hours), or Laudanum (15 to 20 
drops every y 2 to 2 hours), or Morphine Sulphate 
(in y to grain doses hypodermically every y 2 to 
2 hours), or Eserine (in 1/60 to 1/30 grain doses 
every y 2 to 2 hours), to quiet the brain. Morphine 
is the best antagonist to the effects of Atropine on 
the cerebrum, kidneys, heart, pupils, respiration and 
arterial tension. Muscarine is probably the best 
general antagonist (in doses of 14 > to 1 grain). 


BENZENE—BENZOL. 


105 


3. Draw the urine. Avoid overdose of Opium. 

4. Employ heat; hot water to the feet, and hot 
bricks, bottles, or water bags to the body. Apply 
a mustard paste to the feet and over the heart. 

Arouse by alternate hot and cold douches to chest. 
Apply cold to head. Give Chloral for Hyoscine delirium. 

5. Stimulate. Give 15 to 30 drop doses of Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia, and Brandy or Whisky (a 
teaspoonful in water by mouth, or % teaspoonful 
hypodermically every ^ to 1 hour). Hold Am¬ 
monia Water to the nostrils. Give strong coffee. 

6 . Employ artificial respiration if respiration is 
interfered with (rhythmically raise and lower arms 
from sides to up over head and back again, 18 to 20 
times per minute). 

BENZENE — BENZOL. 

HISTORY: 

Used in dyeing, cleaning and as a cough medi¬ 
cine. Death in 17 hours from 3 drachms of Ben¬ 
zene. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Nausea; gastro-intestinal distress; dizziness. 

TREATMENT: 

I. When swallowed, evacuate the stomach; sy¬ 
phon out the stomach with a stomach-tube, or give 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or 
Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in two tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate (1/10 
grain hypodermically, repeated every 15 minutes 
until effective). After giving an emetic give 
plenty of luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. 
Sodium or Potassium Carbonate or Bicarbonate 
may be administered as an antidote. 

i. When inhaled, provide much fresh air. Arti¬ 
ficial resoiration should be resorted to if necessary 


106 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


(rhythmically raise arms, extended at sides, to up 
over head and back again, 18 times a minute). 

Give Atropine Sulphate (in 1/120 to 1/60 grain 
doses hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (15 to 30 drops every ^ to 2 
hours by mouth), to overcome depression. 

Douche the chest with hot and cold water alter¬ 
nated, to arouse. 

Use interrupted electric current over heart to sup¬ 
port heart and circulation. 

Give Ammonia or steam inhalations. 

BENZINE. BLOOD ROOT. 

(See Petroleum). (See Sanguinaria). 

BORIC ACID. (Treat as for Croton Oil.) 

BISMUTH. (Treat as for Arsenic, etc.) 

[Use of Bismuth Subnitrate for radiography of gas¬ 
trointestinal tract has produced fatal poisoning. 
Symptoms indicative of nitrates. Prostration, cya¬ 
nosis, convulsions or coma may occur. Treatment: 
wash out stomach, employ artificial respiration, 
oxygen, stimulants, catharsis, etc.] 

BROMIDES. 

SYMPTOMS : 

Nervous system greatly depressed; force and fre¬ 
quency of heart beat much lessened; reduction in 
temperature, and in number of respirations; muscular 
weakness, semi-somnolent state or maniacal excite¬ 
ment. 

(Bromides are eliminated by kidneys,skin,saliva,bron¬ 
chial and intestinal mucous membranes, and in milk.) 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. Lf 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in two tablespoonfuls 
of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water every 5 to 10 minutes until 
it acts), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not efifec- 


f 


BftOMlNE. 


107 


tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 
grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty of luke-warni 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give Opium (Powdered Opium in 1 to 2 grain 
doses every 1 to 3 hours), or Morphine Sulphate 
(in pj grain doses every 1 to 3 hours by mouth or 
hypodermically) to combat mental symptoms. 

3. Support and stimulate. Give Caffein Citrate 
(in x to 5 grain doses every l / 2 to 2 hours) to com¬ 
bat depression. Administer Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (in 10 to 20 drop doses every 1 to 3 
hours) to sustain and regulate the heart. Fluid 
Extract of Ergot (in 15 minim doses every 1 to 3 
hours), or Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours) or Tincture 
of Belladonna (in 10 to 20 drop doses) to stimulate 
heart, etc. Brandy or Whisky (in teaspoonful 
doses by mouth or Ft teaspoonful hypodermically 
every F to 1 hour) may be given with the Opium, 
as a nervous stimulant. 


BROMINE. 

HISTORY: _ 

An ounce on an empty stomach caused death 
in 7 hours. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Inhaled, its vapor greatly irritates the respi¬ 
ratory mucous membrane and the eyes, causing 
distressing cough, hoarseness, and dyspnoea. 

Swallowed, its action is that of an active cor¬ 
rosive poison. It causes violent gastritis, rapid 
prostration, great anxiety, rapid pulse, trembling 
of hands, collapse. 



108 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

When Inhaled, provide fresh air; give inhala¬ 
tions of Ammonia or steam; stimulate by Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia ( l / 2 teaspoonful in water; also 
by Atropine as in Chlorine (q. v.). Give Caffein Ci¬ 
trate (in i to 5 grain doses every y 2 to 2 hours). Irri¬ 
tation to bronchi relieved by chloroform inhalations. 

1. When Swallowed, evacuate the stomach: 
Give starch water to form Starch-Brom. Then re- 
peatedly syphon out the stomach with a stomach- 
tube, or produce vomiting by Apomorphine Hydro¬ 
chlorate (hypodermically in i/io grain doses.) Give 
Magnesia freely, or Potassium or Sodium Carbonate, 
or Bicarbonate (a teaspoonful in a wineglassful of 
water.) 

2. Counteract depression by giving a cupful of 
strong coffee, or Caffein Citrate (i to 5 grain doses 
every ^ to 2 hours.) 

3. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch water, oatmeal 
gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or even crushed 
bananas) to soothe and protect the irritated or in¬ 
flamed surfaces. (A 1 to 2 per cent, solution of 
Carbolic Acid relieves irritant effects on skin. 

BRUCINE. BRYONIA. 

(See Strychnine.) (See Aloes.) 

i CAFFEINE. 

HISTORY: 

Recovery after 200 grains. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Burning pain in throat; giddiness; faintness; 
nausea; numbness; pain in abdomen; dry tongue; 
great thirst; trembling of extremities; free diu¬ 
resis; cold skin; weak pulse; collapse. 


CAFFEINE. 


109 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in two tablespoonfuls 
of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water every 5 to 10 minutes until 
it acts), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha 30 
grains, or Syrup of Ipecac a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration, 
with Brandy or Whisky (in 2 teaspoonful doses 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful doses hy¬ 
podermically as frequently), or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 
y 2 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain 
hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every y 2 to 2 hours). 
Morphine Sulphate hypodermically (in % grain 
doses every ^ to 2 hours) often helps. Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every % to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 cr 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every % to 1 hour if necessary) may also be 
found useful. Resort to faradization or galvaniza¬ 
tion of respiratory muscles if required, 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates or stove-lids heated. 


110 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

CALABAR BEAN (PHYSOSTIGMA, THE 
WESTERN AFRICA ORDEAL BEAN) — 
PHYSOSTIGMINE (ESERINE). 

HISTORY: 

Poisoning occurs from beans eaten by children. 

The bean is used in decoction by the natives of 
the west coast of Africa as the ordeal test for witch¬ 
craft. They believe the innocent will vomit it, the 
guilty retain it and die. 

Fatal dose: Six beans caused death in boy of 6 
years. The fatal dose of Physostigmine is consid¬ 
erably less than 3 grains. 

Death results from respiratory paralysis. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Effects are opposite to those produced by Strych¬ 
nine. 

Tumultuous heart action; complete muscular re¬ 
laxation and tremors; giddiness; contracted pupils; 
respiration irregular and slow; reflexes lost; mav 
be vomiting and purging. 

TREATMENT: 

i. Evacuate the stomach with stomach-tube, 
using plenty of water. If stomach-tube is not at 
hand, use an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 
grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 
minutes if vomiting is not produced), or Cupric 
Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water 
every 5 to 10 minutes until it acts), or Mustard (a 
tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated 
in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha 
(Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of 
Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until 
vomiting results), or, best of all the emetics, Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (i/iQ 


CAMPHOR.—CAMPHORATED OIL. 


Ill 


grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving emetic, always give plenty of luke¬ 
warm water to encourage vomiting. 

Potassium Permanganate (10 grains in 1 pint of 
water) introduced into stomach by stomach-tube 
and repeated in half an hour has been highly 
recommended. 

Give Tannic Acid (30 grains in ]/ 2 cupful of 
water) or draughts of strong tea. Give Spirit of 
Nitrous Ether (1 teaspoonful, repeated every y 2 to 
2 hours). If urine is suppressed, use Catheter. 

2. Atropine is the best physiological antidote 
(antagonist). Give Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 
I /6o grain hypodermically every ^ to 2 hours for 
4 doses, or until the pulse is quickened, or until the 
pupils dilate), or Tincture of Belladonna (10 to 20 
drops in water by mouth or rectum every y to 2 
hours, as preceding). If this treatment is ineffec¬ 
tive, give Chloral (in 10 grain doses every y to 1 
hour in syrup and water by mouth, or in water by 
irectum). Give Strychnine Nitrate, hypodermic¬ 
ally (1/60 to 1/20 grain every y 2 to 2 hours), or 
Tincture of Nux Vomica (10 to 20 drops). 

3. Stimulate: Give Brandy or Whisky (in tea¬ 
spoonful doses every 15 to 30 minutes), or Alcohol 
{y 2 teaspoonful in tablespoonful of water every 
15 to 30 minutes). Coffee may be beneficial. 

4. Artificial Respiration.—If respiration becomes 
labored, raise patient’s stretched out arms, ryth- 
mically, from sides of body to up over head, and 
back to sides again, 20 times a minute, with tongue 
kept forward. 

CALCIUM. 

(See Lime, also Alkalies). 

CAMPHOR.—CAMPHORATED OIL.— 
SPIRIT OF CAMPHOR. 

HISTORY: 

A popular household remedy, occasionally taken 
by mistake. May cause very severe symptoms but 


112 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


rarely fatal. (Spirit of Camphor is i to io; Cam¬ 
phorated Oil i to 5 in strength.) 

Fatal dose: 20 grains or more. Recovery after 
200 grains. Dangerous symptoms from 20 grains 
and from 15 minims of the strong solution. Death 
by asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Camphor odor; languor; giddiness; clammy 
skin ; headache; smarting in urinary organs; pulse 
quick and weak; delirium; convulsions; collapse. 
No purging, vomiting or pain, unless dose very 
large, when may be burning pain along esophagus 
and at pit of stomach, and vomiting. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Give water to precipitate the Camphor, if in 
alcoholic solution. If in oil, alcohol, then water. 

2. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls 
of water, repeated in 15 minutes.if vomiting is not 
produced), or Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water every 10 to 15 minutes 
until it acts), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
not effective), or Syrup of Ipecac (a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), 
or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically 
(1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effec¬ 
tive). After giving emetic always give plenty of 
luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. 

After emptying stomach give saline purgatives 
freely.—Some authorities favor giving Castor Oil 
and Alcohol or Brandy by mouth; others consider 
these aid in the solution and absorption of the Cam¬ 
phor. If give Alcohol or Brandy, it is better to 
give it hypodermically. 

3. Allow patient to inhale Ether to check in¬ 
clination to convulsions. Relieve cramps with 


CANNABIS, AMERICAN. 


113 


alternate hot and cold douches. May give Aco¬ 
nite (Tincture of Aconite, i drop every i to 
2 hours), Potassium Bromide (in io grain doses 
every to i hour), or Opium (Powdered Opium 
i or 2 grains every p2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 
drops in water every *4 to 2 hours) or Chloral to re¬ 
lieve the convulsions. Coffee by mouth or rectum. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water bot¬ 
tles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water,or bags 
of salt, bricks, plates or stove-lids, heated, applied to 
feet and sides of body) to maintain bodily tempera¬ 
ture. Artificial respiration if required. 

CANNABIS, AMERICAN (CANNABIS AMERI¬ 
CANA, AMERICAN HEMP)—CANNABIS, 
INDIAN (CANNABIS INDICA, INDIAN 
HEMP) — HASCHISCH — GUNJAH OR 
GANGA OR GANZA — CHURRUS OR 
CHARAS—BHANG OR SIDDHI.—MARI¬ 
HUANA. 


SYMPTOMS: 

Sense of exhilaration; pleasurable intoxication; 
peculiar prolongation of time; sense of double con¬ 
sciousness followed by drowsiness; anesthesia; 
loss of power, particularly of lower extremities; 
pupils dilated; pulse rapid; respiration slow; may 
cause increased sexual desire; catalepsy; some¬ 
times convulsions. 


TREATMENT: 

Caustic Alkalies are incompatible. 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, 
such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipe- 


114 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


cacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a tea- 
spoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting r re¬ 
sults), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypo¬ 
dermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes 
until effective). After giving emetic, always give 
plenty of luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. 

Give strong tea freely; or Tannio Acid, or Gallic 
Acid (30 grs. in y 2 wineglassful water). Apply heat. 

Give Sweet Spirit of Niter (in teaspoonful doses 
every ^ to 1 hour) to encourage excretion by kid¬ 
neys. Give orange or lemon-juice to neutralize poison. 

2. Stimulate : give draughts of strong coffee, or 
Caffein Citrate (in 2 or 3 grain doses every 1 to 3 
hours), Atropine Sulphate (in 1/120 grain doses 
hypodermically every 1 to 3 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (10 to 15 drops every 15 minutes, for 
2 or 3 doses) as antagonists; Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 
5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled) 
to stimulate circulation. If respiration is embar¬ 
rassed, resort to artificial respiration. May apply 
electricity to the chest muscles. Draw urine. 

CANTHARIDES (SPANISH FLIES) — CAN 

THARIDIN. (See p. 238.) 

HISTORY: 

The powder has been taken for jalap and for 
pepper. Also taken to produce abortion. 

Fatal dose: 24 grains of the powder, 1 ounce of 
the Tincture. Recovery from 2 drachms also an 
ounce of the powder, and from 6 drachms also an 
ounce of the Tincture. Fatal period usually from 
24 to 36 hours. Death by paralysis of respiratory 
centres. 

SYMPTOMS: 

A violent gastro-enteritis, with abdominal 
tenderness; burning sensation in pharynx and eso¬ 
phagus ; sense of constriction of throat; burning 
pain in back:, bladder, and urethra; frequently 


CANTHARIBES. 


115 


great thirst; vomiting, the vomit containing shin¬ 
ing particles of the powder; constant desire to pass 
water, but only blood or albuminous urine passed 
each time; priapism; sometimes sloughing of the 
genital organs; strangury; abortion; sometimes 
violent delirium and tetanic convulsions; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

There is no known chemical antidote. 

1. Evacuate the stomach: cautiously syphon out 
stomach with stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If stomach-tube not at hand, use emetic, such as 
Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 
grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of an egg, 
barley, elm, flaxseed tea, or gruel). Avoid oils or 
any oily emulsion, as Cantharidin is soluble in 
such. 

3. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
]/ 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or *4 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
(34 grain by mouth, or hypodermically every y 2 to 
2 hours) to relieve pain and irritation. 

4. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or y A . teaspoonful doses hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit 
of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 
10 to 15 minutes, or l / A teaspoonful hypodermically 
as frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate 


116 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


(1/60 grain hypodermically every ^ to 2 hours) 
and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermic¬ 
ally every 34 to 2 hours), cr Tincture of Belladonna 
(20 drops every 34 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 to 1 hour), 
or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 44 to 
1 hour) and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 
minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, 
using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary) may be 
used for the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee 
may also be given. Finally, give alkaline diuretics. 

5. Employ artificial heat (either hot water bottles, 
ordinary bottles of hot water, bags of salt, bricks, 
plates, or stove-lids, heated, applied to feet and sides 
of body) to maintain bodily temperature, etc. 
Poultices to abdomen; anesthetics for convulsions. 
Wash out bladder with warm water for severe irri¬ 
tation of it. Assist excretion of urea by pilocarpin. 

CARBON MONOXID (CARBONIC OXID; 
CO)—CHARCOAL FUMES, ETC. 

HISTORY: 

A combustible, colorless, transparent, odorless, 
tasteless, very poisonous gas. Burns readily in air 
with blue flame. When cast-iron plates are red hot 
it readily diffuses through them ; thus the gas may 
pass into air of a room heated by a stove. Defec¬ 
tive combustion, open charcoal, coke or stove coal 
fires, defective stove-pipes or furnace flues and es¬ 
caping illuminating gas are among its sources. It 
also collects in mines, pits, wells, etc.; also is pro¬ 
duced by gunpowder explosions in quarries, mines 
and other confined spaces. (See pages 67 , 141 , 149 , 
155 .) 

This gas enters the blood, combining with the 
hemoglobin of the red corpuscles and displacing the 
oxygen. The symptoms become urgent when the 
red blood corpuscles of the body have become half 
saturated with the poison. After the blood has been 


CARBON MONOXIDE. 


117 


nearly or quite saturated with this gas it will not 
carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the 
body; and after 4 to 8 hours of cerebral asphyxia, 
edematous and degenerative processes seem to 
begin in the brain; and although the blood may 
have discharged much of the carbon monoxid 
poison by that time, the brain cannot adequately be 
supplied with oxygen, nor its integrity restored; 
recovery is almost or quite impossible. The blood 
of those poisoned by this gas is of a persistent flu¬ 
idity and bright, cherry-red. Air containing one per 
cent, of this gas will kill a dog in a minute and a 
half. The gas is a narcotic poison. When patient 
has been exposed to gas over 8 hours and coma 
exists, the chances of recovery are slight. If 
opposite exists, may expect recovery. Other things 
being equal, the chances of recovery or permanence 
of injury is in proportion to the length of time the 
blood has been exposed to the gas and the degree of 
saturation with the gas, i. e., the degree of systemic 
asphyxia or oxygen deprivation. Death may occur 
hours or even days after partial recovery. 

Carbon monoxide is the chief constituent of coal gas 
and poisoning by latter is mainly due to it. But suffo¬ 
cation by coal gas is not to be confused with poisonous 
effects of coal gas. “Water gas” contains about 
30 % carbon monoxide. 

SYMPTOMS: 

[In Poisoning:— Dizziness; severe headache; weakness; 
may be nausea, vomiting; convulsions; face pale, or livid; 
pupils dilated. When poisoning is very slow, symptoms 
are languor, debility, anorexia, headache, anemia, perhaps a 
dry cough, and mental disturbances. Symptoms resemble 
those of malaria. 

In Choking Suffocation: —Symptoms are choking; gasp¬ 
ing; suffused eyes; congested face; collapse. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Promptly provide plenty of fresh air. For absence 
of breathing, or in feeble breathing, resort to artificial res¬ 
piration—Schaefer, Marshall Hall, Michigan or Sylvester 
methods. Oxidizing the poison by using hopcalite (etc., 
see page 117) has been recommended. The pulmotor is of 
doubtful utility. 

Give inhalations of oxygen, or also of ammonia. Recently 


118 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Henderson, Haggard and Scott of Yale University Labora¬ 
tory, and others, have had excellent results by using, with 
a special inhaler devised for such purpose, a gas mixture 
of oxygen containing 5 per cent, of carbon dioxid. This 
mixture, prepared by the Linde Air Products Co. and the 
Union Carbide Co., of New York City, and others, has 
proved very helpful when given simultaneously with the 
Schaefer prone, pressure method of artificial respiration. 
As soon as spontaneous breathing is secured these inhala¬ 
tions are suspended, although the patient be still in coma; 
usually giving them for 20 to 40 minutes is sufficient. They 
help to prevent the commonly fatal pneumonia. Rest and feed¬ 
ing should complete the recovery. Oxidize the poison by using 
hopcalite (a mixture of oxids of manganese, copper, cobalt and 
silver). 

2. Other measures, sometimes employed are: Cold, wet 
applications to head and neck. Douching chest with hot and 
cold water alternately to arouse and stimulate. Hot appli¬ 
cations to feet and body. 

Stimulation of heart, circulation and respiration with 
Brandy or Whisky or Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, or 
Strychnine and Atropine; also use of Tincture of Digitalis 
or Digitalin, Caffein Citrate or Coffee, or inhalations of 
Amyl Nitrite, or Camphorated Oil (15 min.) hypodermic¬ 
ally, or giving lime water, or milk by same; also transfusion 
of blood, within an hour or two of inception of poisoning. 
Rectal, intravenous or intracellular injection of normal salt 
solution sometimes proves very beneficial. 

Saline Solution (sterilized normal salt solution = 139 
grains of pure table salt in 34 ounces (a liter) of boiling 
water, a 9/10% solution; about 2 l /^ level teaspoonfuls of 
salt in 1 quart of boiling water). Inject 1 to 3 pts. at 100° 
to 110° F., into rectum, flank, back, arm or abdomen (See 
pages 57 and 87d)]. 

N.B.: The bracketed statements in the foregoing are those of the author. 

CASTOR OIL BEANS 
HISTORY: 

The activity of the plant is supposed to be due 
to Ricin, a poisonous toxalbumin from the seed of 
the castor oil plant. Ricinin is a crystallizable 
alkaloid from the plant. 

Fatal dose: 3 seeds were fatal to an adult male 
in 46 hours; 20 seeds killed an adult female in 5 
days. Recovery from 30 seeds. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Abdominal pain, cramps; prostration; vomiting; 
intense thirst; severe griping, purging, and tenes¬ 
mus ; collapse. 



CHLORAL. 


119 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: siphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, 
such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced) ; or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains, or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re¬ 
peated every 15 minutes until effective). After giv¬ 
ing emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water 
to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas) to soothe and protect the 
irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, 
heated, applied to the feet and sides of the body) 
to maintain bodily temperature. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every *4 to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
/ 2 to2 hours by mouth, or )4 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
04 grain by mouth or hypodermically every *4 to 
2 hours), to relieve pain, griping, and tenesmus. 

CHLORAL—BROMIDIA—CHLORALAMID— 

SOMNOS—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Chloral, and its compounds, quite frequently, 
injudiciously used by the public to quiet nerves 
and induce sleep. Chloral is sometimes used 
for suicidal purposes. In frequent doses it may 
accumulate and kill by paralyzing the heart. 
A dose should very rarely exceed 20 grains and 
should not be repeated as often as hourly more 
than 3 times. It appears to be a cumulative poi- 



120 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


son. io grains have caused alarming symptoms, 20 
and 30 grains have each caused death; even 460 
grains has been recovered from, and probably most 
persons would recover from any dose under 2 
drachms if proper treatment given. 3 grains killed a 
child, a year old, in 10 hours. In some persons large 
doses temporarily suspend some of the mental facul¬ 
ties without producing apparent unconsciousness. 
Children bear Chloral proportionately better than 
adults. Old persons, and particularly those with 
weak hearts or inclined to apoplexy, are easily af¬ 
fected. Death in 1/6 to 40 hrs. Knock-out-drops 
often consists of a strong solution of Chloral. 

SYMPTOMS; 

Loss of muscular power, followed by sleep and 
coma; respiration slow, shallow, feeble, labored; 
pulse weak, first slow, then rapid and thready; face 
white, livid, covered with cold sweat; pupils con¬ 
tracted during sleep, dilated upon awakening; body- 
temperature greatlyreduced. Maybedelirium ;Coma. 

TREATMENT: 

Put in horizontal position and elevate feet. 

1. Evacuate the stomach : syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube; or give Mustard (a table¬ 
spoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 
minutes if not effective), or Zinc Sulphate (in 20 
grain doses every 10 to 15 minutes), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (in 1/10 grain 
doses every 10 to 15 minutes, until vomiting results), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes, until vomiting is produced). After giving 
an emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water to 
encourage vomiting. 

Liquor Potassae (2 teaspoonfuls in a cupful of 
water is said to decompose 20 grains of Chloral in the 
blood); drachms Yz to 2 should be given hourly as re¬ 
quired. 

2. Stimulate : give draughts of strong coffee by 
mouth, or introduce 1 pt. into rectum through tube 


CHLORINE. 


121 


or give Citrate Caffein (in 5 to 10 grain doses every 
Vi to 3 hours). Give Strychnine Sulphate, hypo¬ 
dermically (in 1/60 grain doses every ^4 to 2 
hours) ; or give Pic r otoxin (in 1/100 to 1/50 grain 
doses, repeated every 34 to 2 hours to stimulate 
respiration. Also encourage heart action with in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief, using one every 34 to I 
hour if necessary), and Brandy or Whisky, hypo¬ 
dermically 04 teaspoonful every 10 to 15 minutes). 
Keep patient awake, overcoming stupor by shaking, 
shouting, flagellation, or by shocks of electricity. 

Give inhalations of oxygen. May use Adrenalin. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water bot¬ 
tles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 
bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, ap¬ 
plied to the feet and sides of body) to maintain 
bodily temperature. This is very important. 

Apply cold to head, and Ammonia to nostrils and 
hypodermically. Resort to artificial respiration, 
upon respiration becoming more labored. 

CHERRY, “Black” or “Wild:” Leaves, fruit and 
fruit-seeds poison. Cause depression, convulsions. 
Evacuate and stimulate as in Acid Hydrocyanic 
(q.v.). 

CHLORINE — CHLORINATED LIME — JA- 
VELLE WATER — LABARRAQUE’S 
(or CHLORINATED SODA) SOLUTION. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Chlorine inhaled causes extreme laryngeal irrita¬ 
tion and may even cause oedema, resulting in 
asphyxia. Black eschars on tongue and pharynx 
may be produced. Usually cough, a sense of tight¬ 
ness across the chest, and inability to swallow. 

If a poisonous dose of these substances be swal¬ 
lowed, a sense of heat and burning results, and per¬ 
forations of the esophagus and stomach may be 
produced. 


m 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

When Chlorine vapor has been inhaled, the pa¬ 
tient should inhale Ammonia vapor to form Am¬ 
monium Chloride. Provide fresh air, artificial respi¬ 
ration, inhalations of steam, Ether or Chloroform. 
When Chlorine preparations have been taken into 
the stomach, albumin is the proper antidote. 

1. Evacuate the stomach. When Chlorine prepa¬ 
rations have been swallowed, the stomach should 
be gently washed out by means of a stomach-tube, 
or use an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains 
in two tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 min¬ 
utes if vomiting is not produced), or Mustard (a 
tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated 
in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha 
(Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of 
Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until 
vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 
hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 min¬ 
utes until effective). After giving emetic, always 
give plenty of luke-warm water to encourage vom¬ 
iting. 

2. Give Ammonia Water (J 4 teaspoonful in a 
wineglassful of water, repeated in 10 to 30 min¬ 
utes), or give Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (in tea¬ 
spoonful doses, in a wineglassful of water, every 
10 to 15 minutes). 

3. May also stimulate heart, circulation, and res¬ 
piration with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful 
doses every 10 to 15 minutes, or pj teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), also with 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically 
every y 2 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 
grain hypodermically every p2 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops every p to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically every p> to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically every 
54 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 
54 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 


CHLORODYNE. 


123 


3 °r 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 34 to i hour if necessary) 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. Give lime water, 
milk, or flour mixed in water. Artificial respiration. 

4. Give raw white of egg as the antidote. May 
give other demulcents (such as flaxseed or elm tea, 
barley or starch water, oil, gum arabic, oatmeal 
gruel, gelatin, or even crushed bananas), to soothe 
and protect the irritated or inflamed surfaces. 

Give Sodium Thiosulphate (20 grains in ^4 wine- 
glassful of water). 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
34 to 2 hours by mouth, or 34 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
(34 grain by mouth or hypodermically every 34 to 
2 hours), to relieve pain and restlessness. 

CHLORODYNE. 

HISTORY: 

Irritant narcotic compound of Opium ; probably 
Morphine Muriate, Chloroform, rectified Ether. 
Prussic Acid, Oil of Peppermint, Gum Acacia and 
Molasses. 

Fatal dose: an ounce has caused death. 

Treatment as in Opium or Prussic Acid poisoning. 

CHLOROFORM. (See Anesthetics.) 

CHOKE DAMP. (See Acid Carbonic.) 

CHROMATE—BICHROMATE. 

(See Acid Chromic.) 

CICUTA VIROSA — CICUTA MACULATA 
(WATER HEMLOCK) — CICUTOXIN — 
WATER PARSNIP—ETC. 

Nausea, vomiting, pain, nervous symptoms, con¬ 
vulsions, collapse, coma. (Treat as in Conium. 
P. 130.) 

COAL GAS. (See Illuminating Gas.) 


134 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


COCAINE—EUCAINE. 

HISTORY: 

Cocaine has a twofold action—it acts upon the 
central and upon the peripheral nervous system. In 
small doses it excites the spinal cord and brain: 
in large ones it may produce convulsions and then 
paralysis. The peripheral action is manifested by 
the numbing of sensation. 

Fatal dose: death rare: io grains or less in¬ 
ternally has caused death; 22 grains by mouth 
caused death within an hour; 7/10 of a grain killed 
a child; 2/3 of a grain a woman of 71 years; 23 
grains, also 32 grains, have been recovered from. 
Death from gr. hypodermically; also recovery 
from 14 grs.; 1/20 gr. hypoderm. caused dangerous 
symptoms in girl 12 years old ; 4^ grains swallowed 
have produced very alarming symptoms. Used sub¬ 
cutaneously or, in solution applied to eye or mucous 
membrane acts rapidly, may produce, suddenly, 
serious symptoms; 7 or 8 minims of a 4 per cent, 
solution, in eye, have produced spasm and uncon¬ 
sciousness ; 20 to 30 drops of a 4 per cent, solution 
applied to teeth and gums have produced serious 
symptoms. Twenty minims of 4 per cent, sol., also 
y 2 dram of 10 per cent, sol., also 2*T grs. in solution 
injected into urethra, have been fatal. Death has 
occurred in 40 seconds; has been delayed to 4 and 
even to 20 or more minutes. Recovery is quite cer¬ 
tain after 30 minutes. 

Death usually occurs from apnoea or heart failure. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The symptoms vary. As a rule, great nervous 
excitement, sense of oppression and fulness in head, 
sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting. In 
beginning pulse and respiration may be more rapid 
but later they may be quite slow, and the breathing 
labored. The face may be cyanotic. The pupils are 
dilated and extremities cold. In fatal cases there 
is labored breathing, feeble, perhaps, imperceptible, 
pulse, convulsions, coma and death. There may be 


COCAINE 


125 


early delirium and unconsciousness or almost no 
symptoms except those of asphyxia. 

TREATMENT: 

Fresh air. Put patient in horizontal position. 

Artificial respiration at once, if necessary. 

Employ stimulants and electricity. Employ the 
following treatment as far as possible and required: 

If Cocaine was introduced hypodermically, give 
stimulants of hot Brandy or Whisky (2 to 4 tea¬ 
spoonfuls in water by mouth every 5 to 10 minutes, 
or more by rectum, or 15 to 30 minims hypodermi¬ 
cally every 5 to 10 minutes). Also give inhalations 
of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief and inhaled). Ammonia inhalations, or 
Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (1 teaspoonful in water 
by mouth, or ^ teaspoonful hypodermically every 
ten minutes), or Ether in 15 minim doses hypoder¬ 
mically, or more by rectum, often help; also Strych¬ 
nine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically), and 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermi¬ 
cally), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops). Nitro¬ 
glycerine (hypodermically in 1/100 grain doses every 
^ to 2 hours) has been highly recommended. Chloro¬ 
form or Chloral may be required for convulsions. 
Morphine Sulphate (in ^ to grain doses) often is 
beneficial. 

1. If the Cocaine was swallowed, evacuate the 
stomach if possible : syphon out the stomach with a 
stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a stomach- 
tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such as Zinc Sul¬ 
phate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water), or 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain). After 
giving an emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm 
water, to encourage vomiting. Give Tannic Acid 
or Gallic Acid (30 grains in cupful of water). 
Again in 10 minutes wash out the stomach or empty 
it with an emetic. If the Tannic Acid is not at 
hand, give plenty of strong tea or decoction of oak 
bark (1 ounce to a small cupful of hot water); or 


126 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


may give Iodine (i grain) and Potassium Iodide (10 
grains) in x / 2 wineglassful of water. Then use 
stomach-tube or emetic again. Give inhalations 
of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief and inhaled, using one every to 1 
hour, if necessary) to support heart. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Ammonia inhalations and with Brandy or 
Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 5 to 15 minutes, 
or y teaspoonful doses hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently), or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a tea¬ 
spoonful in a little water every 5 to 15 minutes, or 
y teaspoonful hypodermically as frequently), and 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically), or 
Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops). To relieve 
impending collapse or paralysis of respiration, give 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every 
^ to 2 hours), or Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops 
by mouth, or half as much hypodermically), or Digi¬ 
talin (1/100 grain hypodermically); the Strychnine 
may help the cerebral blood-vessels. Caffeine. 

3. Apply artificial heat to heart and body. 
Apply sinapisms over heart, stomach and calves. 
Resort to friction of the extremities. 

Oxygen inhalations for inclination to asphyxia. 

4. Artificial respiration if required (rhythmically 
raising and lowering extended arms from sides to 
overhead, 18 times a minute). Faradization or gal¬ 
vanization of respiratory muscles may be required. 

5. Give opium, if necessary. To relieve nervous 
excitement or delirium, when present, give Mor¬ 
phine Sulphate, hypodermically (in y to y grain 
doses every y to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops 
every y to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in 
gruel by rectum as frequently). 

6. Chloroform inhalations, or Chloral (in 40 to 60 
grain doses) may be required to relieve the convul¬ 
sions. Nitroglycerine, hypodermically (in 1/100 
grain doses) has been recommended. 

7. Employ cathartic, enema, or both. 


COCCULUS INDICUS. 


127 


COCCULUS INDICUS (LEVANT NUT, IN¬ 
DIAN BERRY, FISH BERRIES)— PICRO- 
TOXIN. 

HISTORY: 

Picrotoxin is used as a fish poison (ground, mixed 
with bread and thrown on the water, taken by fish 
stupifies them, then they float and are taken), as a 
bird poison, as a medicine, sometimes as “knock¬ 
out” drops, and sometimes to adulterate beer. Beer 
extract containing Picrotoxin is fatal to flies. Pic¬ 
rotoxin poisoning produces an extraordinary swell¬ 
ing of the abdomen in frogs, which Strychnine does 
not. 

SYMPTOMS; 

Nausea; vomiting; muscular weakness; drowsi¬ 
ness; sometimes convulsions; may be scarlet-fever¬ 
like rash; pain; salivation; diarrhoea; coma. 

Fatal dose: 2 to 3 grains of Picrotoxin is consid¬ 
ered to be a dangerous dose. Death from paralysis 
of heart in diastole. 

TREATMENT: 

Treat as in poisoning by Strychnine (q. v.), and 
give Paraldehyde. 

COLCHICUM (MEADOW SAFFRON, AU¬ 
TUMN CROCUS) — COLCHICINE. 

HISTORY: 

All parts of the plant are poisonous. The wine 
has been taken by mistake for sherry and other 
wines. 

Fatal dose: 45 grains of dried bulb; a tablespoon¬ 
ful of the seeds; of the Wine 3drachms, and an 
ounce of the Tincture. 1 y 2 ounces has caused 
death; an ounce has been recovered from. The 
fatal dose of the alkaloid is less than grain. 
Death from paralysis of respiratory centres. Death 
usually occurs within 24 hours; it has occurred in 
7 hours, and has been delayed for several days. 


128 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


SYMPTOMS: 

Burning pain in throat, esophagus, and stomach; 
great thirst; soreness; vomiting; violent purging; 
griping; intense abdominal pain; urine suppressed; 
face pinched; pupils dilated; profuse salivation; 
pulse rapid, then slow; great weakness; skin cold, 
pale, and covered with sweat; frequent spasms; 
sometimes muscular pains and convulsions; con¬ 
sciousness present until the last; collapse. 

TREATMENT: 

There is no altogether satisfactory known anti¬ 
dote. 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with stomach-tube, or, if vomiting has not oc¬ 
curred, use an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 
grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 
minutes if vomiting is not produced), or Mustard 
(a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, re¬ 
peated in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipe- 
cacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or 
Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re¬ 
peated every 15 minutes until effective. After giving 
emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water to 
encourage vomiting. Give Tannic Acid (in 30 grain 
doses) or Gallic Acid (in 30 grain doses, in wine- 
glassful of water), or a decoction of oak bark, or 
strong tea. Irrigate colon with Tannic Acid water. 

2. Give water freely, and administer demulcents 
(such as white of egg, milk, oil, gum arabic, elm or 
flaxseed tea, barley or starch water, oatmeal gruel, 
gelatin, flour and water, or even crushed bananas), 
to soothe and protect the irritated or inflamed sur¬ 
faces, particularly in later stages. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 


CONIUM. 


129 


applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
J 4 to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
(/4 grain by mouth or hypodermically every V2 to 
2 hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

5. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or )4 teaspoonful doses hy¬ 
podermically as frequently), or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every to 
2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hy¬ 
podermically every 34 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops every p to 2 hours). Tinc¬ 
ture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half 
as much hypodermically every p to 2 hours), or 
Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 to 
1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 
to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 
5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled, using one every T 4 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. Apply hot fo¬ 
mentations to the abdomen. Finally, give a dose 
of Castor Oil (1 to 2 tablespoonfuls). 

CONIUM MACULATUM (“Poison” or “Wild” 
Hemlock; Poison Root)—CONIIN—CICUTA 
MACULATA (“Spotted” or “Water” Hemlock; 
Cow Bane)—CICUTA VIROSA—CICUTIN. 

HISTORY: 

The bruised leaves of the Wild Hemlock have a 
mousy odor and nauseating taste. The poison is in 
the seeds, and when flowering (in July and August) 
also in the parsley-like leaves, which have been mis- 


130 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


taken for parsley and eaten in salad and soup. 
Serious results from 1/5 grain of Coniin. The poison 
of Water Hemlock is found chiefly in the roots. 

Fatal dose of Coniine is about 2 3 / 10 grains. One 
drop may cause bad symptoms. Death in * 4~4 hrs. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Giddiness; staggering gait; gradual loss of all 
voluntary power; pupils dilated and fixed; paralytic 
drooping of eyelids; loss of sight; inability to swal¬ 
low; nausea; maybe vomiting; frontal headache; 
pulse slow, then increased; sometimes salivation and 
sweating. Asphyxia from paralysis of respiratory 
muscles. Paralysis ascends from feet. Is conscious. 

TREATMENT: 

Keep head low. 

1. Evacuate the stomach • syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small 
cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), 
or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically 
(1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effec¬ 
tive). After giving emetic, always give plenty of 
luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. Give 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in *4 wine- 
glassful of water, repeated in 10 to 20 minutes, if 
required). If these are not at hand, may give 
draughts of strong tea, or a decoction of oak bark; 
or give Iodine (1 grain) and Potassium Iodide (10 
grains) in a J 4 wineglassful of water. Then again 
wash out the stomach, or cause vomiting. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 


CONVALLARIA. 


131 


even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated and inflam ed surfaces. Then give Castor 
Oil (a tablespoonful). 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful doses hy¬ 
podermically as frequently), or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every 34 to 
2 hours). May give Picrotoxin hypodermically 
(1/60 to 1/40 grain dissolved in water. Tincture of 
Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically every )4 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 to 1 hour), or 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary) may be used 
for the same purposes. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Employ friction. 

If breathing becomes labored, resort to arti¬ 
ficial respiration (rhythmically raise arms from side 
to up over head and back again, 20 times per minute). 
If convulsions, give Chloroform cautiously. 

CONVALLARIA (LILY OF THE VALLEY). 

HISTORY: 

The common preparations—the extract and fluid 
extract—contain the two active principles Con- 
vallarin and Convallamarin. The former is a pur¬ 
gative, while the latter is a heart poison, quite sim¬ 
ilar in action to Digitalin. 

Symptoms and treatment similar to Digitalis 
(q. v.). 


132 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


COPPER AND ITS COMPOUNDS: COPPER 
SULPHATE (BLUE STONE, BLUE VIT¬ 
RIOL)—‘VERDIGRIS (COPPER SUBACE¬ 
TATE) — ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Copper is taken by accident or for the purpose 
of abortion, suicide, or murder. Commonest cause 
of poisoning is the use of copper vessels in cook¬ 
ing. Chronic poisoning may result from using 
copper to give a green color to pickles, preserved 
peas, and sweets; the use of green wrappers for 
foods; copper used in the manufacture of artificial 
flowers; the keeping of drugs in copper vessels; 
from working in copper or bronze, etc. 

Fatal dose: death from an ounce of Copper Sul¬ 
phate; and also a recovery. Death from %, also one 
ounce of Verdigris. Death in 4 hrs. to several days. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Copperish or metallic taste in mouth; griping 
and colicky pains ; gastro-enteritis ; nausea ; bluish 
liquid vomit; purging with straining, stools con¬ 
sisting first of intestinal contents, then mucous or 
blood; intense salivation and bronchial secretion; 
incessant expectoration; jaundice; thirst; respira¬ 
tion hurried; anesthesia; delirium; epileptiform 
convulsions; pulse small, rapid; urine diminished, 
or suppressed, sometimes black; sometimes syn¬ 
cope; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

Avoid Vinegar, and Oils. 

1. Give the chemical antidote, Potassium Ferro- 
cyanide (Yellow Prussiate of Potash, in 5 to 15 
grain doses in water) ; or give albumin and milk, 
mixed with sugar; or Magnesia. If eggs are not at 
hand, give a thin paste of flour and water; then 

2. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such as 


COPPER AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


133 


Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small 
cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 
grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving an emetic, always give repeatedly plenty of 
luke-warm water to encourage vomiting and to 
wash out the stomach. Follow with cathartic. 

3. Give demulcents (egg and milk mixed and 
sweetened well with sugar is preferable and indi¬ 
cated ; or give barley, elm or flaxseed tea, gum 
arabic, starch or flour water) to soothe and protect 
the irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

5. Give Opium (Powd. Opium, 1-2 gr. every % to 2 
hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every y 2 to 2 hours 
by mouth, or J4 teaspoonful in gruel by rectum as 
frequently), or Morphine Sulphate ()4 grain by 
mouth or hypodermically every ^ to 2 hours), to 
relieve pain and nervous irritability. If the breath¬ 
ing becomes much labored, employ artificial respi¬ 
ration. 

6 . Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful doses hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit 
of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 
10 to 15 minutes, or J4 teaspoonful hypodermically 
as frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate 
(1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 


134 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Belladonna (20 drops every ^ to 2 hours). Tinc¬ 
ture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half 
as much hypodermically every J / 2 to 2 hours), or 
Digitalin 1/100 grain hypodermically every to 1 
hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every l /± to 
1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 
minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled, using one every % to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee are good. 

7. Saturate the system with Potassium Iodide 
(in 3 to 10 grain doses in water). 

CORN COCKLE (Crown of the Field). 

Poisoning from inferior wheat flour containing 
cockle seeds. It causes vomiting, disturbed vision, 
dyspnea, diarrhoea, debility, sometimes death. 
Evacuate and stimulate as in Laburnum (q.v.), 

CROTON OIL (CROTON TIGLIUM). 

HISTORY: 

The oil and also the liniment have each been 
taken for Castor Oil by mistake. 

Fatal dose: 20 drops of the Oil. Half a drachm 
has been recovered from. Death in 4 to 12 hours. 

SYMPTOMS: 3 

Severe abdominal pain; vomiting; purging; fluid 
stools; pulse small and thready; skin moist; face 
pinched; prostration; collapse; death. 

TREATMENT: 

i. Evacuate the stomach: If abdominal pain is 
slight, syphon out the stomach with a stomach-tube, 
using much water, with pint milk or Olive Oil, 
and 1 or 2 eggs, or may use an emetic, such as Zinc 
Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water), 
or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of 
water) ; or Ipecacuanha (Pulverized Ipecacuanha, 


CROTON OIL. 


135 


30 grains) or Syrup of Ipecac (a teaspoonful) ; the 
emetic may be given every 10 to 15 minutes until 
vomiting results. If abdominal pain is severe, give 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving an emetic, give plenty of lukewarm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Gum Arabic water and demulcents (such as 
white of egg, milk, oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm 
tea, barley or starch water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, 
flour and water, or even crushed bananas), to 
soothe and protect the irritated or inflamed sur¬ 
faces. 

3. Give Opium (Powd. Opium, 1-2 gr. every L / 2 to 2 
hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every J/2 to 2 hours 
by mouth, or ]/ 2 teaspoonful in gruel by rectum as 
frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (54 grain by 
mouth or hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 hours), to 
relieve pain and purging. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Apply linseed meal poul¬ 
tices to abdomen. 

5. Give Spirit of Camphor (5 to 10 drops on 
sugar or in milk at 10 minute intervals, 4 to 6 
times). 

6. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 54 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Spirit 
of Camphor (5 drops in a little milk every hour or 
two, if necessary), or with Aromatic Spirit of Am¬ 
monia (a teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain 
hypodermically every 54 to 2 hours) and Atropine 
Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermically every 
y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (10 to 20 
drops in water every l / 2 to 2 hours). Tincture of 


136 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
1/100 grain hypodermically every % to 1 hour), 
or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every )4 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary, may be used for 
the same purpose. Draughts of strong coffee may 
also be given. 

CURARE (WOORARI, SOUTH AMERICAN 
“INDIAN ARROW POISON”) — CUR- 
ARINE. 

HISTORY: 

If Curare swallowed action much less severe. 
(see 1 ^ 

SYMPTOMS • 

Agitation; the poison wound swollen and pain¬ 
ful ; voluntary muscles completely paralyzed ; tem¬ 
perature elevated; heart slowed; respiration gradu¬ 
ally diminished; urine increased and contains sugar, 
consciousness unaffected. Death by asphyxia. 

TREATMENT: 

1. The poison is usually introduced through a 
wound. If there is a wound ligate above it; incise 
the part freely and endeavor to suck out the poison; 
wash the wound with a weak solution of Potassium 
Permanganate. Give Spirit of Nitrous Ether (1 to 
2 teaspoonfuls in a wineglassful of water; repeat 
in 10 to 20 minutes). Employ artificial respiration 
as the most efficient antagonist (rhythmically raise 
extended arms from sides up to over head and back 
18 times a minute) until poison is eliminated. 
The poison usually passes off rapidly. Evacuate 
the bladder frequently, to prevent reabsorption. 

2. Stimulate the heart, circulation, and respira¬ 
tion with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonfuls every 
10 to 15 minutes, in a little water). Strychnine Sul¬ 
phate (1/60 grain hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 


CYANIDE OF MERCURY. 


137 


hours) has an antagonistic action upon the heart 
and respiration, and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 
1/60 grain hypodermically every J / 2 to 2 hours), or 
Tincture of Belladonna (10 to 20 drops in water 
every y 2 to 2 hours) has a similar effect. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 
bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

CYANIDE OF MERCURY (MERCURIC 

CYANIDE). 

HISTORY: 

10 grains, also 20 grains have destroyed life. 

Symptoms, chiefly Mercuric; also Cyanic. Treat¬ 
ment: Give Ferrous Sulphate and Magnesium Car¬ 
bonate (See 1, p. 71). Follow with whites of 3 eggs 
in cupful of water and flour or thick starch water 
or milk. Evacuate stomach. Stimulate (See 3, p. 
178). Also see Mercury, p. 174). 

CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM (POTASSIC 

CYANIDE). 

HISTORY: 

Potassium Cyanide is used in electro silvering and 
gilding, in photography, to clean lace, and also for 
the purposes of suicide and murder. 2^ grains are 
equivalent to one grain of the Anhydrous Prussic 
Acid. 

Fatal dose: about 23T grains is considered to be 
the fatal dose. Usually 5 grains is a fatal dose, in 
about 15 minutes. Recovery after 50 grains. 

SYMPTOMS : 

The Acid properties of Hydrocyanic Acid are 
very feeble, so that it does not have the effect of the 
mineral acids on the skin or mucous membrane; 
but Cyanide of Potassium is very alkaline and has 
even caustic properties—thus, on an empty stomach 
has produced a condition similar to that resulting 


188 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


from a moderate quantity of solution of Potash. 
Salivation; nausea; sometimes vomiting; sense of 
constriction in throat; then constricting pain in 
chest; giddiness; confusion of sight; person falls 
in convulsions resembling epilepsy; convulsions 
may be general or attack only certain groups of 
muscles; sometimes true lockjaw; inspiration short; 
expiration prolonged and imminence of death in¬ 
creases length of interval between them; skin pale, 
blue or bluish gray; eyes glassy and staring; pupils 
dilated; mouth covered with foam; breath smells 
of the poison; pulse first quick and small, then 
slower, until imperceptible; convulsions pass into 
paralysis; respiration gradually ceases. Potassic 
Cyanide in very strong solution may cause erosion 
of lips, mouth, throat, gullet, and of much of the 
duodenum, but rarely. As a rule the local effects 
are limited to the stomach and duodenum. 

TREATMENT: 

Treat as in poisoning by Acid Hydrocyanic (q. 
v.), also employ demulcents if caustic action has 
been severe. 

CYANIDE OF SILVER (SILVER CYANIDE). 

SYMPTOMS: 

The action is similar to that of Hydrocyanic Acid, 
but weaker. 

TREATMENT: 

Give large draughts of Ferrous Sulphate (Green 
Vitriol, 3^ to 2 grains in much water). Then treat 
as for poisoning by Hydrocyanic Acid. 

DENATURED ALCOHOL is Alcohol (Ethyl) 
rendered unfit for use as a beverage or for medi¬ 
cinal purposes. Formaldehyde, Benzin, Methyl 
Alcohol, and various other agents have been em¬ 
ployed to produce such preparation. In the South¬ 
west, deodorized Wood Alcohol was added to 
Whiskey, etc., to adulterate such cheaply; the mix¬ 
ture then “known as ‘White House,’ ‘Old Mule/ 
etc.” When Methyl Alcohol is present in a mixture, 
treat as for such, in case of poisoning. 


digitalis 


189 


DIGITALIS (FOX GLOVE) — DIGITALIN — 
STROPHANTHUS (q. v.) — “KOMBE AR¬ 
ROW POISON” — STROPHANTHIN (q.v.) 
CONVALLARIA (q. v.) — CONVALLA- 
MARIN — SCOPARIUS — SCOPARIN — 
SPARTEINE — SQUILL — SCILLITIN — 
SCILLITOXIN — ADONIDIN—ANTIARIN 
— HELLEBOREIN — OLEANDRIN—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Digitalis has poisoned by being mistaken for other 
drugs or through ignorant use. Has been used for 
the purpose of murder. 

Maximum dose: Powdered leaves, single, 4pi 
gr.; daily, 15.4 gr. Infusion, single, 480 min.; daily, 
1,440 min. Extract, single. 3 gr.; daily, 12 gr. Tinc¬ 
ture, single, 45 min.; daily, 135 min. Digitalin, 
single, 1/35 gr.; daily, 1/12 gr. 

Fatal dose: Tincture of Digitalis, 9 drachms; but 
2 oz. have been recovered from. 10 grs. of the pow¬ 
dered leaves have been fatal. Death in hours or days. 

Digitoxin is six to ten times stronger than Digi¬ 
talin and 1/16 grain is considered a fatal dose. The 
fatal dose of Digitalin is considered to be 3/10 of a 
grain. Of ordinary commercial Digitalin slightly 
larger doses would be required to produce a fatal 
result, but 1/16 grain would be very dangerous. 

Digitalin is a cumulative poison, and like all poi¬ 
sons affecting the heart, a dose that once taken is 
harmless, becomes deadly if frequently repeated. 
As a rule, double the maximum dose may be con 
sidered quite dangerous. 

SYMPTOMS: 

(Digitalis is the cardiac type, the others act 
quite similarly.) 

Vomiting of matter of a grass green color, mucous 
and bile; purging with severe pain; severe head¬ 
ache ; pupils usually dilated, sometimes contracted; 

eyeballs bulging; sclerotic blue colored; vision dis- 


140 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ordered; vertigo; salivation; pulse small, slow, ir¬ 
regular, but rapid and weak upon arising, although 
heart beats violently; face pale; pain in back and 
limbs; diarrhoea; suppression of urine; conscious¬ 
ness usually maintained; lethargy, followed by de¬ 
lirium and convulsions; coma; death suddenly. 
Death by paralysis of heart. 

TREATMENT: 

Put in horizontal position during and for some 
time after symptoms subside, to prevent fatal 
syncope. Keep patient quiet. 

1 . Evacuate the stomach : syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, 
repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipecacu¬ 
anha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup 
of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until 
vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 
hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 min¬ 
utes until effective). After giving an emetic, al¬ 
ways give plenty of luke-warm water to encourage 
vomiting. While emptying the stomach, give Tan¬ 
nic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in a cupful of 
water, then in 10 minutes again evacuate the stom¬ 
ach). If Tannic or Gallic Acid is not convenient, 
give plenty of strong tea, or a decoction of oak bark 
(1 ounce to a small cupful of hot water), or give 
Potassium Iodide (10 grains) and Iodine (1 grain, 
in half a wineglassful of water). 

2. Then give Epsom Salt (1 to 2 tablespoonfuls 
in a teacupful of water), or Rochelle Salt (2 tea¬ 
spoonfuls in a small cupful of water), then plenty 
of water. 

3. Then give Fluid Extract of Quillaja (10 drops 
in a tablespoonful of water), or Fluid Extract of 
Senega (10 drops in water). For the effects of 


ERGOT. 


141 


large doses, give Tincture of Aconite (2 to 4 drops 
in water every J / 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (15 to 
20 drops in water every 1 to 3 hours)', as an antag¬ 
onist for effects due to the continued use of Digi¬ 
talis. May give Atropine, ice or Cocaine for vomiting. 

4. Stimulate with Brandy or Whisky (2 to 4 tea¬ 
spoonfuls in water every y 2 to 1 hour), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful every ^2 to 
3 hrs.) or Amyl Nitrite. Friction. Keep body warm. 

5. Resort to artificial respiration if necessary 
(raise rhythmically arms extended at sides to up 
over head and back to sides, 18 times a minute). 

Saponin and Senegin are the most complete phy¬ 
siological antagonists, if available. 

EXPLOSION GASES. 

The principal gases produced by the action of ex¬ 
plosives are Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and 
Nitrogen. Gunpowder gives CO and H 2 S; dyna¬ 
mite, gun-cotton, nitroglycerine, tonite, roburite, 
sicherheit, trinitrintoluol, etc., and the smokeless 
powders each gives off much CO. (See also pp. 67, 
116, 152.) 

ERGOT. 

HISTORY: - 

1 \ 

Given or taken to produce abortion. 

15 to 60 grains of Ergot have produced very seri¬ 
ous symptoms. 

SYMPTOMS: > ' • 

Not very definite as a rule. 

More or less gastric disturbance; vomiting; thirst; 
diarrhoea; burning pain in feet; tingling in fingers; 
cramps in extremities; pupils dilated; dizziness; 
pulse small, feeble; weakness; coldness of surface; 
sometimes convulsions; abortion or miscarriage in. 
pregnant women. Cataract, or a necrosis of extremi¬ 
ties may be secondary effect. 

TREATMENT: 

Recumbent position. 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 


142 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small 
cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 
grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hvdrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

While emptying the stomach, or at first, give 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in a cupful 
of water frequently). Then in ten minutes evacu¬ 
ate the stomach. If Tannic or Gallic Acid is not 
convenient, give plenty of strong tea, or a decoction 
of oak bark (1 ounce to a cupful of hot water), or 
give Potassium Iodide (10 grains) and Iodine (1 
grain in y 2 wineglassful of water). 

2. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls), or Epsom 
Salt (2 tablespoonfuls in y 2 cupful of water), or a 
drop or two of Croton Oil on the back of the tongue. 

3. Stimulate with Nitroglycerin Hydrochlorate 
(1/100 grain hypodermically), or with Brandy or 
Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by mouth every 10 to 
15 minutes, or y teaspoonful doses hvpodermically 
as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of Am¬ 
monia (a t^aspoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 
minutes, or y teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain 
hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours) and Atropine 
Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermically every 
p2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops 
in water every y 2 to 2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis 
(15 to 20 drops by mouth, or half as much hypo¬ 
dermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 
grain hypodermically every i y to 1 hour), or Caffein 
Citrate (1 to 4 grains every y to 1 hour), and in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 


FORMALDEHYDE. 


143 


every % to I hour if necessary), may be used for the 
same purpose. Draughts of strong coffee may also 
be given. For convulsions Chloroform or Bromides. 

4. Employ friction, and artificial heat (such as hot 
water bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot 
water, or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, 
heated, applied to the feet and sides of the body), 
to maintain bodily temperature. 

If abortion is threatened from Ergot, Opium and 
rest are most important measures. 

* [EUCALYPTUS GLOB. FLY PAPER, POIS’N’S 

(Treat as for Turpentine) (Commonly, Arsenic (q.v.) 

EUPATORIUM AGEROTEIDES (Ageratum 
Altissimum) White Snake Root 

Found in woodlands, mainly of some Middle West States. 
Poisons animals, by eating it; man, through milk, butter, cheese, 
meat. Causes “Milk Fever,” “Trembles,” or “Puking Fever.” 
Symptoms in man : Restlessness ; languor ; headache; nausea; 
severe vomiting; thirst and constipation; intestinal paralysis; 
fetid “sewer-gas” breath ; emaciation ; prostration ; tremblings ; 
stupor; perhaps convulsions, coma, death. Duration 2 to 10 
days or more. Recovery slow. Treat with antiseptics, stimu¬ 
lants, tonics, local heat, enemata; concentrated, nutritious food.] 

FLUORAL (SODIUM FLUORID) 

This is a white crystallizing powder. It has been taken, by 
mistake for starch, cream of tartar, certain laxative salts, and 
various similar appearing powder. It is a constituent of various 
vermin exterminators such as roach-food, etc. It has been 
found in some beverages. It produces a severe local irritation, 
also a general protoplasmic, toxic effect. Weakness, various 
nervous protoplasnuc, such as chills, more or less paralysis espe¬ 
cially of facial muscles, also aphonia, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, 
and more or less gastro-intestinal irritation. Summer cold. 

Treatment: Free lavage, with lime water to make the 
Sodium salt insaliable and inactive. Also give emollients such 
as milk, for its calcium and as food. 

FORMALDEHYDE— FORMALIN. 

History: 

^[Formaldehyde is a powerfully disinfectant gas. It is em¬ 
ployed as a disinfectant for clothing, rooms, etc. Formalin is 
a 40 per cent, solution of gaseous Formaldehyde, and is used 
as an antiseptic and disinfectant in solutions ranging from 1 to 
2,000 to 1 to 200. When swallowed it has a caustic effect. 


* Author’s uncondensed text. 



144 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Symptoms: 

*[From inhalation: 

Intense irritation of eyes and nose; dyspnoea, throbbing pain 
in head; sense of suffocation. 

From swallowing a Formaldehyde solution (commonly a 
4, 10, or 40 per cent, solution) : Pain in stomach; nausea or 
vomiting; vomit may be bloody; dyspnoea; vertigo, 
intense anxiety; pulse rapid and small; urine suppressed; may 
be diarrhoea; coma; collapse.] 

Treatment: 

*[When inhaled: 

Fresh air; gentle stimulation if necessary. 

When swallowed: 

1. Ammonia is considered the best antidote, forming a harm¬ 
less hexamethylene amine. Three volumes of Spirit of Min- 
dererus should be administered for every volume of 40 per 
cent. Formaldehyde solution which has been swallowed. An 
alkaline mineral water may then be given, to neutralize the 
Acetic Acid resulting from the reaction. In the absence of 
other agents, white of egg stirred up in water may be given 
and the stomach then washed out or evacuated by Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate (in 1-10 gr. doses). 

2. Stimulate with hypodermic injections of Strychnine, 
Digitalin, Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, etc. 

3. Gice demulcents as milk, barley water, etc.] 

* Author’s uncondensed text. 

FOOD, POISONOUS; FOOD POISONING, 

(Also see p. 199 and Part IV., p. 261, etc.) 

Poisonous Cheese; Poisonous Fish; Poisoned or 
Poisonous Meat (as putrid meat). Oysters 
Milk. All protein food poison. (Also see p. 224a) 
Fungi (such as Poisonous Mushrooms, Toadstools, 
Truffles, etc.). Also, Muscarine; Sausage 
Poison, and other varieties of Botulism, etc. 

HISTORY AND SYMPTOMS 

It is supposed that the symptoms of food-poison¬ 
ing are due either to toxins, ptomains, a proteose, 
or to several causes combined. Phallin, a toxal- 
bumin from Amanita Phalloides, breaks up red 
blood corpuscles. The only antidote is transfusing 
fresh blood or salt solution. Food poisoning is 
commonest from bacterial products, but there are 
other causes. 



FOOD, FUNGI. 


145 


In a food poisoning the usual symptoms are those 
of a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant; and as a 
rule there is a i to 6 hour incubation period. 

The specific symptoms, as commonly encoun¬ 
tered are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and 
diarrhoea; there may be, also, more or less fever, 
rigors, headache, ocular disturbances, weakness and 
collapse. 

In severe cases the following symptoms may ap¬ 
pear: Nausea; sudden and severe retching; ab¬ 
dominal pain; dilated pupils; reddened or scar¬ 
latina-like skin; great thirst; very offensive diar- 
rhoeal discharges; elevated or reduced temperature; 
muscular twitchings; prostration and tendency to 
collapse; coma, perhaps death. 

In poisoning by some food substances, such as 
cheese, the toxic agent may be a protein or proteose, 
and not a bacillus, or an alkaloidal or simliar sub¬ 
stance. Therefore the symptoms may be different 
in some respects from those commonly exhibited 
in a food poisoning—as, there may be an obstinate 
constipation instead of diarrhoea, etc. (Proteose 
is described as a secondary protein derivative, re¬ 
sulting from further cleavage of the meta-protein 
molecule, one of the intermediate products of pro¬ 
teolysis beween protein and peptone.) 

Poisonous Cheese, Milk, Ice Cream, or Curd, usu¬ 
ally causes retching, vomiting, purging, abdominal 
pain, dyspnoea, dilated pupils, rapid pulse, and de¬ 
pression of temperature. Such poisoning is com¬ 
monly believed to be due to the action of the butyric 
acid bacillus forming a toxic substance, a crystal¬ 
line ptomain, called tyrotoxicon; but tyrotoxicon is 
not present in all poisonous cheese, etc. Apparently 
the tyrotoxicon found in the cheese in some of the 
poisonings was not an alkaloid, but resembled diazo 
benzene; but it seems certain that cheese poison¬ 
ing, etc., like most forms of food poisoning, is quite 
frequently caused by powerful toxins produced by 
bacteria; and among the latter are specially viru¬ 
lent strains of bacillus coli, the bacillus enteritidis, 
bacillus botulinus, bacillus lactis aerogenes, some 


146 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


of the proteus group, etc. It should be noted that 
poisonous cheese—for instance, a “Dutch Cheese”— 
may be normal in taste, odor, and appearance. 

In Ice Cream poisonings the incubation period 
has been found to vary, being in many cases from 
3 to 9 hours; sometimes to be delayed to 24 hours. 
(Also see Ptomains.) 

Potato Poisoning: Potato poisoning is usually at¬ 
tributed to solanin which is present in unripe, germ¬ 
inated, or decomposed potatoes and in the berries; 
but the symptoms and findings have not always 
pointed to that substance. Sometimes the symptoms 
have been the usual symptoms of a food poisoning 
and apparently due to an infective soiling and 
bacterial activity, with headache, nausea, vomiting, 
diarrhoea, and debility. In some potato poisonings 
there have been severe abdominal pain—greatly in¬ 
creased by pressure—marked rectal and anal tender¬ 
ness, obstinate constipation, almost complete sup¬ 
pression of urine, and partial collapse; no narcotic 
symptoms. 

Poisonous Fish (such as craw-fish, land crab, yel¬ 
low-billed sprat, dolphin, gray snapper, conger eel, 
mussel, smooth bottle-fish, grooper, rock-fish, Por¬ 
tugese man-of-war, king fish, porgie, fugu, old 
wife, blower, etc.) causes symptoms of severe irri¬ 
tation of the gastro-intestinal tract, somewhat re¬ 
sembling cholera morbus. Some fish are always 
poisonous, from gland secretions, sting or bite, etc.; 
others only in spawning season. Fish poisoning 
may also occur: from an idiosyncrasy; from a 
ptomatropinism from eating dried, etc., fish (such 
as sturgeon, etc.) ; or from the presence of bacteria 
and toxins in fish, especially in canned fish. 
A botulism may occur from eating bacillus- 
botulinus infected (hence, its soluble toxin 
changed), canned or other fish. In poisoning 
from canned fish, probably the infecting bacteria 
were present before the tin was sealed. In fish 
poisoning the symptoms may be severe intestinal 
and grave nervous disturbances, prostration, etc. 


FISH, SHELL-FISH 


147 


Shell-fish, such as oysters, clams, mussels, lob¬ 
sters, cockles, etc., altho in good condition, may 
act upon some persons as a severe gastro-enteric 
irritant, producing more or less nausea, vomiting, 
abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, skin eruptions 
(urticaria—“hives,” “nettle rash”), dilated pupils, 
etc. Tomato, vinegar, horse radish, mustard, etc., 
may also produce quite similar effects. Decom¬ 
posed shell-fish may poison like decomposed meat. 
Oysters from oyster-beds polluted with typhoid 
germs may convey that disease. Mussels fre¬ 
quently produce very alarming symptoms: from 
having produced while alive a powerful toxin or 
leukomain called mytilotoxin, the action of which 
resembles that of Curarine; or, because of their 
having putrefied—but the toxin is not found in de¬ 
cayed mussels. The mytilotoxin type of symptoms 
commonly differs from that of the usual food poi¬ 
soning. Usually there is no abdominal pain nor di¬ 
arrhoea; but as a rule, there is nausea and vomiting, 
perhaps urticaria, pain in back, and dilated pupils. 
Mussels gathered from the bottom of a ship, in 
dock, are apt to be contaminated with Copper from 
the sheathing, or with Arsenic from the paint. 

In lobster poisoning, pain, urticaria and eye 
symptoms may be absent. Pickled or Tinned Sal¬ 
mon or Herring sometimes produces poison 
symptoms. In some cases of poisoning by fish, the 
symptoms are those of simple irritation, such as 
nausea, vomiting, purging, cramps, depression, etc. 
In other cases, there are marked nervous symptoms, 
while symptoms of gastro-eneric irritation are 
slight. The chief nervous symptoms are delirium, 
weakness, thirst, sense of heat about head and eyes, 
dilated pupils, gradual insensibility, dyspnoea, coma, 
and convulsions. Sometimes an eruption appears 
resembling nettlerash and associated with asthmatic 
symptoms. 

POISONOUS MEAT, MILK, ETC. 

Poisoning by such food may be produced: By a 
botulism; by decomposed (putrefied, rotted) meat; 
or by meat from a sick animal, such as one sick with 


148 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


peritonitis, metritis, puerperal or milk fever, foot 
and mouth disease, diarrhoeal affections, or other 
diseases of a bacterial and putrefactive character— 
the true condition may not be indicated by appear¬ 
ance, smell, or taste of the food; by such germs in 
food as those of typhoid; by such specific disease 
of an animal, as tuberculosis, anthrax, etc.; by food 
infected with parasites, or their ova—as trichina; by 
meat unsanitarily exposed after preparation, etc. 

The flesh of animals or of birds which have fed 
upon stramonium, laurel, or other poisonous plants 
or substances may produce the characteristic symp¬ 
toms of poisoning by the respective poison; likewise 
the milk of such animals may produce them. 

Honey may poison from the presence of bee-col¬ 
lected products of poisonous plants as in a car¬ 
bohydrate or protein poisoning; or as a result 
of its acting as a gastro-intestinal irritant, produc¬ 
ing urticaria, etc. 

Putrid or decaying meat may produce symptoms 
of a gastro-enteric irritation; or of a typhoid char¬ 
acter; of an atropin (ptomatropin) type; or of a 
true septicsemic type. (See Wounds, Poisonous.) 

A true meat poisoning is caused, usually, by a 
ptomain or toxalbumin, or by bacteria belonging to 
the coli-typhosus group. The bacillus enteriditis of 
Gaertner, and similar organisms, or the bacillus 
botulinus are as a rule associated with such meat 
poisonings. In poisoning by meat or flesh contain¬ 
ing the bacillus enteriditis or its toxin, the poison¬ 
ous symptoms appear usually in six to twelve hours 
from the time the flesh was eaten. The chief symp¬ 
toms are nausea, perhaps vomiting, diarrhoea—the 
stools being frequent and fetid; headache, vertigo, 
skin-rashes, debility and collapse. 

In poisoning by meat or other flesh (especially by 
sausage) containing the bacillus botulinus (such poi¬ 
soning being known as botulism or allantiasis) the 
symptoms are quite different, being of a neurotic 
type or character; the chief symptoms are dyspep¬ 
sia, commonly a barking cough, dilated pupils, and 
a gradual emaciation, and progressive muscular par- 


POISONOUS MEAT, MILK, ETC. 


148 a 

alysis. Altho the virulence of the enteriditis toxin 
does not seem to be reduced by cooking, smoking or 
pickling, that of the botulinus is destroyed at about 
158° F.; but not by putrefaction or alimentary di¬ 
gestion. 

Sausage Poisoning (Botulism—an intoxication 
not an infection), as previously indicated, may 
be caused by eating poisonous sausage or ham, 
whose poisonous condition is the result of 
the action of the bacillus botulinus. It is claimed 
that in uncured sausage-meat, a ptomain is some¬ 
times developed which causes symptoms of saus¬ 
age poisoning. Some observers have concluded that 
sausage poison is allied to the tetanus, diphtheria, 
and certain other toxins. 

Serious illness, also, may be caused by eat¬ 
ing sausage infected with trichina spiralis, a 
minute worm coiled up in an oval cyst. This 
is the most minute and numerous of the par¬ 
asites. Its source is raw or imperfectly cooked 
pork or sausages. While enveloped in its capsule, 
the parasite is absolutely harmless. After entering 
the alimentary canal, it leaves its cyst and produces 
numerous young, which bore through the walls to the 
muscular tissues of the body, where they lodge in 
the muscular fibre-sheaths. Trichinae produce ma¬ 
laise, anorexia, sleeplessness, fever, severe muscular 
pains, swelling of joints, sometimes contraction of 
flexor of extremities, oedema of face and eyelids, 
diarrhaea. Sometimes typhoid symptoms appear, 
and death in an unconscious state results. Death 
usually within 30 days. Chemical and microscopi¬ 
cal examinations of the suspected food or of a por¬ 
tion of the subject’s muscle should indicate the 
nature of the poison (p. 244). 

Fungi: Various forms of fungi, such as mush¬ 
rooms, toadstools, truffles, etc., are directly poison¬ 
ous and produce symptoms of severe irritation of 
the gastro-intestinal tract. Poisonous Mushrooms, 
mistaken for edible varieties, or tried through ignor¬ 
ance of their possible poisonous properties, produce 


U8t> 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


such narcotic-irritant symptoms as violent vomit¬ 
ing, purging, anxiety, thirst, gastric and abdominal 
pain, delirium, stupor, etc.; perhaps suppression of 
urine and convulsions. The symptoms commonly 
occur within an hour, and death usually within 24 
hours. The gills and spores of the mushroom 
should be sought for in the stomach contents. 

Muscarine is a deadly alkaloid from various mush¬ 
rooms—such as the Fly Fungus (Fly-Brown Agaric, 
False Orange). Fly Fungus is used in Kamchatka 
and Siberia to produce intoxication. Muscarine pro¬ 
duces salivation; free perspiration; desire to uri¬ 
nate ; violent colic, with thirst; slow, weak pulse; 
contracted pupils, dilating before death; dyspnoea; 
paralysis. Death from effect upon the heart; usu¬ 
ally in 24 hours. 

May often distinguish poisonous from non-poison- 
ous mushrooms by the following: Gills of poisonous, 
usually white, cap often warty and stem hollow. 
Gills of non-poisonous, first pink, then brownish- 
purple ; stalk commonly cylindrical and solid. Re¬ 
ject mushrooms which have white gills or milky 
juice, or in which the color changes when they are 
broken or cut. 

Canned Fruits and Vegetables (a Botulism, etc.) ; 
Sometimes carelessly cleaned, unsound, improperly 
cooked, or imperfectly sealed canned fruits and veg¬ 
etables may cause a severe food poisoning. 

Occasionally the imperfect sealing causes a poi¬ 
soning through a union of the malic or other acid 
of fruit juices with the metal used in canning. 

Various strains of bacillus botulinus have been 
found in canned vegetables and fruits, which had 
caused food poisoning; but the germ is commoner 
in the home-canned than in the factory-canned 
foods; among such foods were home-canned string 
beans, corn, asparagus, peas, beans, ripe olives (pre¬ 
served), home-canned apricots (with incubation 
1 2 to 20 hrs., dysphagia, visual disturbances, 
etc.), salads, etc. It is said that by cook¬ 
ing canned olives in their preserving fluid for 
fifteen minutes, the bacillus botulinus will be 


CANNED FOODS. ANAPHYLAXIS 


148c 


destroyed, if present. Usually such poisonous foods 
are offensive, but the heating will bring out any 
obscure odor of decomposition. Quite recently 
there have been outbreaks of botulism caused by 
the eating of poisoned (by bacillus botulinus and its 
toxin) spinach, although the spinach in some cases 
was apparently normal. The wise plan is to avoid 
the use of canned foods in which there is bulging 
or “swelling” of the ends of the can due to decom¬ 
position of the contents and the formation of gas, 
or in which the contents are at all offensive. Kemp- 
ner has produced a helpful antitoxin for the toxin 
of bacillus botulinus; without serum treatment 
death in a day or two in about 1/3 of the cases. 

Edible—Protein Anaphylaxis! Poisoning 

*Some persons are unable to eat at all freely of certain com¬ 
mon foods, without such producing food-rashes or other 
phenomena, more or less indicative of a poisonous action. This 
occurs in spite of their being fond of these foods, and of the 
good condition of the latter. There may be, either on occa¬ 
sion of special indulgence in certain food or foods, or, more or 
less frequently (almost daily and for weeks or months, or 
years), from frequent eating of some individually, but more 
or less unrecognizedly, unsuited food, such symptoms as the 
following: languor, headache, coated tongue, obstinate con¬ 
stipation and debility; perhaps some nausea, vomiting, sallow¬ 
ness of skin, and urticaria. There may be more or less fre¬ 
quent so-called “bad spells” (explosions), with these symptoms 
aggravated, especially the vomiting, debility, and headache. The 
condition may be the result of an excessive and prolonged or 
other injudicious use of the respective food or foods, or from 
some unknown cause. The condition and “spells” may well be 
regarded as more than simply an indigestion or an intestinal 
auto-intoxication; such may be interpreted as an idiosyncratic, 
cellular irritation, chiefly of proteid origin, and toxic character, 
resulting in a more or less constant disturbance of metabolism; 
characterized also by more or less cyclic exacerbations appar¬ 
ently occurring when the blood and liver become heavily charged 
with the toxic materials. The condition may be self-adjusting 
by production of an abundance of antibodies, producing im¬ 
munity, but often is not. In an acute attack, treat as in Nos. 
1, 2, 3, 4 of General Treatment, pages 149-150. The determina¬ 
tion or identification of the actual and elementary, or funda¬ 
mental agent or agents concerned in such condition is some¬ 
times very difficult. 


^Author’s uncondensed text. 



U8d 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


It may be one or more of various food-proteins, 
(also other proteins), either animal or vegetable or 
both. Frequently the offending food-protein or pro¬ 
teins may be determined by injecting into the skin 
of the patient (as in the Schick test), or vaccinating 
(as in the Von Pirquet test), or otherwise inoculat¬ 
ing him with, as diagnostic tests, various protein 
extracts, one or more at a time, each having been 
carefully prepared from the protein of a different 
food. Also using, if indicated by asthma-like or 
catarrhal, etc., symptoms, protein extracts or solutions, 
prepared from the pollen of various non-edible plants, 
and even those prepared from the epidermis, hair- 
scales, feather-scales, or other scales, of various 
animals, birds, etc., suspected of having a poisonous 
effect upon the affected person, thru his inhalation, 
etc., of the respective protein poison. (See Proteins, 
Anim. & Veg., p. 224 a.) Each disturbing protein 
is indicated as such, by its giving quite promptly a 
wheal-like, or other distinctive, cutaneous reaction, 
or inflammation, at the site of its introduction. 

Over one hundred and fifty varieties of such test- 
substances from foods have been produced and 
marketed. Among these foods are wheat, oat, rye, 
barley, bean, beet, onion, potato, tomato, etc.; vari¬ 
ous fruits; beef, veal, lamb, mutton, chicken, goose, 
duck, eggs, etc.; such fish as pickerel, perch, bass, 
and other varieties; also various shell-fish, such as 
oyster, clam, lobster, mussel, etc.; nuts, etc. Cor¬ 
rective and curative measures for the recognized 
protein poisoning (a sensitized or anaphylactic— 
i. e., unprotected state or condition), are ab¬ 
staining from food which contains the recognized 
poisonous protein or proteins; and avoiding the in¬ 
halation or other introduction of the recognized as 
thus injurious proteins; also, the establishment of 
a systemic immunity to the respective protein or 
proteins, by a protracted and graded vaccination of 
the individual with an extract or extracts of such, 
to produce gradually, sufficient anti-bodies, in such 
individual’s blood and tissues, as shall be able to 
fully combat the poisonous effects of the respective 


PROTEINS. 


149 


protein when it is taken into the body; i. e., to es¬ 
tablish an immunity to that protein, or those pro¬ 
teins, in place of, or instead of, the existing sensi¬ 
tiveness to such. Several strengths of an attenuated 
or diluted extract or solution of the respective pro¬ 
tein, is employed, usually (or several proteins may 
be thus or otherwise used), in gradually increasing 
doses and strengths, beginning with the weakest of 
the attenuations and therapeutically vaccinating, or 
inoculating, one to three times a week for a number 
of weeks, until the tendency to disturbance seems to 
be relieved and an immunity established. 

(Regarding protein foods, it should be noted in 
this connection, that: pellagra—a serious disease 
supposed to be due to poverty, to eating diseased 
corn, etc.—has been found to be very commonly 
caused by living on foods deficient in protein of an 
animal origin; hence it is unwise to abstain from 
or to eat only a slight amount of such nutrient. 
Fat pork has very little of it, but other meats, milk, 
butter, cheese and eggs contain good percentages 
of animal protein. Milk is the best food for the 
prevention or cure of pellagra. A milk drinker and 
meat-eater can scarcely have the disease.) 

GENERAL TREATMENT: 

I. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
(In poisoning by fungi, wash out stomach with Pot. 
Permang. solution, 5 or more grains to the pint.) If 
a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or 
Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, 
repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipecacu¬ 
anha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup 
of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until 
vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, 
hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 min¬ 
utes until effective). After giving an emetic, always 
give plenty of luke-warm water to encourage vomit¬ 
ing. While syphoning or before producing vomit- 


150 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ing, give, if at hand. Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid 

(30 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water), or charcoal 
freely or strong tea, or a decoction of oak bark 
(a teaspoonful to 2 wineglassfuls of hot water). 
Then evacuate the stomach again, unless vomiting 
continues. To relieve nausea after stomach has 
been emptied, give Lime Water and Creosote (put 2 
drops of Creosote in a tablespoonful of Lime Water 
and give a teaspoonful of the mixture frequently). 

2. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls) and use an 
enema. In poisoning by canned foods, fungi, and 
such, employ saline catharis, as by Epsom Salt (2 
tablespoonfuls in small cupful of water), or Glauber 
Salt (2 teaspoonfuls m 4 tablespoonfuls of water). 
For fungi, after purging, give vinegar in water. 

3. Stimulate. If depression is very great, sup¬ 
port heart with Nitroglycerin (in 1/100 grain 
doses), or stimulate with Brandy or Whisky (a tea¬ 
spoonful dose by mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
% teaspoonful doses hypodermically as frequently), 
or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful 
in a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, or tea¬ 
spoonful hypodermically as frequently) ; also with 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically 
every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Atropine Sulphate (1/120 
grain hypodermically every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every l / 2 to 
2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 20 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically every 
^ to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every J 4 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate 
(1 to 4 grains every to 1 hour), and inhalations 
of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief and inhaled, using one every to 1 
hour if necessary), may be used for the same pur¬ 
pose. Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. 

4. If body or feet are cold employ artificial heat 
(such as hot water bottles, or ordinary bottles con¬ 
taining hot water, or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or 


FUNGI 


151 


stove-lids, heated, applied to the feet and sides of 
the body). Also apply hot fomentations to the ab¬ 
domen. In collapse, use sterilized salt solution (p. 
118). Give oxygen if required. 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
34 to 2 hours by mouth, or J4 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
(34 grain by mouth or hypodermically every }4 to 
2 hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 
Also give Tincture of Capsicum (15 to 20 drops in 
34 cupful of water). Give solution of Ammonium 
Acetate (in te^spoonful doses every 34 hour) to 
reduce fever and relieve kidneys. 

Oil of Eucalyptus Globulus in 5 drop doses, is 
helpful in ptomain poisoning. 

In fish poisoning, give Potassium Chlorate freely, 
or Spirit of Mindererus; also Capsicum. Use 
Chloroform, if required. Some avoid Calomel. 

In poisoning by the Fungi give, as early as pos¬ 
sible, Atropine Sulphate, hypoderm. (1/120 grain 
every 34 to 2 hours) as a specific antagonist; or after 
stomach emptied. Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops 
in water every 34 to 2 hours by mouth) instead. 
Atropine exactly opposes Muscarine. 

Antiseptics (such as Resorcin, Thymol, Salol, 
Naphthalin, Calomel or small doses of Bichloride of 
Mercury, and tonics are recommended for after- 
treatment in most food poisonings; also Potassium 
Permanganate (one grain, 4 times a day, in 4 ounces 
of water) ; Sodium Bicarbonate (one dram 4 times a 
day) ; and antitoxins. 

There is no known remedy for trichinae poisoning. 


GASEOUS POISONS. 
(IN GENERAL.) 


BROMIDE (q. V.) 

CARBON DIOXIDE (seeCarbonic 
Acid Gas). 

CARBON MONOXIDE (q.v.) 
CHLORINE (q.v.) 
FORMALDEHYDE (q.v.) 
MURIATIC ACID FUMES. 
NITROUS ACID FUMES. 
HYDROFLUORIC ACID (q. V.) 
HYDROGEN ANTIMONIDE 
(STIBIN). 


HYDROGEN ARSENIDE (AR- 
SENIURETTED HYDROGEN). 

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (q. V.) 

NITROGEN MONOXIDE (NIT¬ 
ROUS OXIDE). (See Anes¬ 
thetics.) 

PHOSPHINE (PHOSPHORETTED 
HYDROGEN). (Seep. 100.) 

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SULPHUR¬ 
OUS OXIDE). 


152 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


MIXED GASES. 

AIR GAS (Air passed through mixture of hydrocarbons). 
COMBUSTION, FIRE AND “FURNACE” GASES. 

ILLUMINATING GAS (active ingredient, Carbon Monoxide) (Coal 
Gas-distilled from Coal; Water Gas—by steam passed 
through mixture of hydrocarbons; Acetylene Gas; Rock 
or Natural Gas), and FUEL GAS. (See p. 116-155.) 
METHANE (MARSH GAS), FIRE DAMP. 

OIL GAS, NAPHTHA GAS (are distilled from hydrocarbon oils). 
SEWER GAS AND CESSPOOL EMANATIONS (q. V.) 

GENERAL SYMPTOMS: 

In a general sense, may say of gaseous poisons, 
that: they cause dizziness, headache, nausea, per¬ 
haps sense of suffocation, exhaustion, and collapse. 

GENERAL TREATMENT: 

Fresh air, Oxygen and Ammonia inhalations, cold 
douche to head and chest, saline solution (p. 118), 
stimulation, heat, friction, artificial respiration, rest. 

GASEOUS POISONS IN WARFARE. 

HISTORY, Etc. 

There are three varieties of gas attack: i. By Emanation. 
2 . By Drift Gas, Gas Cloud, or Gas Mist. 3 . By Chemical 
Shells. 

1 . By Emanation: The emanation process consists in 
scattering chemicals about the trenches or other places which 
it is the intention to desert. When such chemicals are dis¬ 
turbed or dug up, or brought into contact with moisture, by 
the new occupants, a poisonous gas is produced. Calcium 
Arsenide, one of these chemicals, generates Arsene, a gas 
having faintly the odor of garlic. 

2 . By Drift Gas, Gas Cloud, or Gas Mist: For this pur¬ 
pose, gas is carried up to a front line or trench, compressed 
in steel cylinders (or tanks) ; the cylinders are dug in at the 
bottom of the trench and connected with pipes extending 
out over the parapet. When the valves of the cylinders are 
opened, the gas often escapes with a hissing sound which 
can be heard at some distance. The gas mixes with the air 
and is carried, by a suitable wind blowing toward the adver¬ 
sary, over the intervening ground and into his trenches and 
dug-outs, shelters, craters and hollows, but around eminences, 
perhaps even into his rear ranks and encampments. Some¬ 
times the drifting is aided by blowing or pumping the gas. 
Usually the gas contains Chlorine as its chief constituent. It 
is heavier than air and drifts along close to the ground as a 


GASEOUS POISONS IN WARFARE. 


153 


dense bank, perhaps seven or eight feet high. A wind blow¬ 
ing from four to eight miles per hour best favors its trans¬ 
mission. A five-mile wind is the most effective of all. 
Watercourses and ponds do not obstruct the progress of the 
gas, and gentle rain has no apparent effect upon it; but strong 
rain washes it down. The color of the ordinary drift gas 
varies: in very dry air it is almost transparent and slightly 
greenish; in damp weather it has the appearance of a white 
cloud. It may be mixed with smoke of any color. The gas 
may be harmless after traveling five rods, or it may prove 
deadly for a distance of two miles or more from its source. 
As it advances it gradually becomes thinner, less deadly and 
ultimately innocuous by dispersion and dilution. It is said 
that gas-attacks have been made with wind velocities vary¬ 
ing from three to twenty miles per hour (1^2 to 10 yards 
per second) and over a front varying from one to five miles. 
In a nine-mile wind the gas would reach trenches one hun¬ 
dred yards distant, in twenty seconds. It has sometimes 
been found necessary for the adversary to wear protective 
helmets as far back as eight miles from the source of the 
gas. 

The chief chemicals used in the drift, cloud or mist attacks 
have been Bromine, Chlorine and Phosgene (Phosgen—i. e., 
light producing, or light yielding. Composed of Carbonic 
Acid and Chlorine). 

3. By Chemical Shells, and such other gas projectiles as 
hand grenades, trench mortar-bombs, etc.: The chemical 
shells commonly contain small quantities (usually about 
five pounds) of cloud or other gases in a liquid form. 
Among the poisonous gases used in shells are also Methyl 
Sulphate (of the Wood Alcohol group), Pelite [i. e., of a 
Petrol) (Gasoline), Petroleum, or fine mud (Pelos) source 
or character], also a gas having the irritant character of 
mustard; etc. 

The “A” Tear Shells (Lacrimal, or Lachrymal Gas Shells, 
or “Weepers”) of the Germans, were found to contain Bro- 
macetone (Acetone—“An inflammable liquid, with a biting 
taste, obtained by the destructive distillation of Acetates and 
various organic compounds—used in making Chloroform and 
as a solvent for fats, Camphor and resins.” 

Regarding the tear gas, Xylol Bromide, it has been shown 
that man is more than one thousand times as susceptible to 
it as the horse and ten times as susceptible as the dog. 

The “T” Shells of the Germans contained “Xylylbromide.” 
(Xylyl, a radical from Xylene; the latter is a constituent of 
coal tar and of wood tar). 

It is notable that of the so-called war gases many of them 
are liquids at ordinary pressures and temperatures. There 
are two general classes of such gases: The first class, the 


154 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


lethal or deadly, consists mostly of those which kill by 
asphyxiation. The second class, the neutralizing, are not as. 
poisonous as those of the first class, but have a more or less 
prolonged disabling effect. Among this class are the lachry- 
mators (lacrimators) or tear gases, the sternutators or sneeze- 
producing gases, and also the eye, lung and; skin irritants; 
the three latter varieties inflame the eyes, more or less seriously 
disturb respiration, or blister the skin. 

The most effective gas employed during the World War 
was, from a military standpoint, the so-called mustard gas 
(dichloro-ethyl sulphide). It is not a gas but a liquid, and 
readily volatilizes. It is a heavy substance, its vapor being 
much heavier than air. It clings to trees, to the walls of 
buildings, and to the ground, and sinks into shell holes, 
trenches and other hollows or depressions. 

In its liquid form, leather and ordinary clothing are readily 
penetrated by it. Government reports state that from four 
to twelve hours after being exposed to it, burns appear upon 
the skin. These burns are not readily healed. In its vaporous 
form it produces an inflammation of the eyes, resulting in 
temporary blindness; and it also attacks the throat and 
bronchial tubes, producing bronchitis or a broncho-pneumonia. 
“Mustard gas” is very active, and one part of it in 12,500,000 
parts of air will inflame the eyes and quite disable, in the 
course of a few hours; although no truly specific remedy has 
been found for the burns it produces, nevertheless, it is 
claimed that the burns may be prevented by washing and 
scrubbing the skin, exposed to its effects, with kerosene, im¬ 
mediately after such exposure. 

The Lacrimal Gas Shells may have little or no odor. They 
act directly upon the tear (lacrimal) glands of the eyes, 
producing a profuse secretion and flow of tears; this is 
accompanied by an intense smarting of the eyes, with con¬ 
sequent temporary blindness and inability to ward off or 
avoid bayonet, bomb, or other attacks. Strong concentra¬ 
tions of such gases also affect the lungs. 

In gas projectiles, a large part of the possible explosive 
charge is replaced by a liquid which is converted into gas 
by the explosion. Usually, a large number of chemical shells 
are discharged into a small space, and after the explosion, 
the irritant chemicals form a small gas cloud; but some of 
the poison may sink to the ground and remain active for a 
long time. Gas shells are used most effectively when the 
wind is of low velocity or when there is a calm. Clumps 
of trees, clusters of buildings, etc., often retain the discharged 
gas, in an active state, for some time. 

Arsine (arseniureted hydrogen gas) is a heavy, deadly gas 
which attacks the more important nerve centers and causes 
death in a very short time. There is no true antidote. 


GASEOUS POISONS IN WARFARE.- 


155 


When very dilute, Chlorine may be recognized by its pecu¬ 
liar, Chloride-of-Lime-like smell, but stronger and more pene¬ 
trating. Chlorine and Phosgene gases have a strongly corro¬ 
sive action on metals, so that metal parts of arms must be 
well greased to protect them. 

In shell gas, when the contents are released by the explo¬ 
sive charge, it expands in about the same ratio as water to 
steam. As the use of shells is independent of wind direction 
and they give no cloud-effect warning, but in large numbers 
are as deadly as clouds, they may be very destructively em¬ 
ployed against distant ranks and rear artillery, as well as 
against approximate antagonists. In consequence, their use 
is becoming more common. 

Phosgene and certain other gases strongly attack the mucous 
membrane of the respiratory organs, causing severe cough¬ 
ing. Exposure to such gas when it is highly concentrated, or 
long exposure to such when of low concentration, injures the 
tissues of the lungs, breathing becomes more and more diffi¬ 
cult and distressing, until impossible, and death by suffocation 
ensues. Death may result from only two or three breaths of 
such gas. When present in sufficient quantities, Chlorine and 
Bromine kill by suffocation. Chlorine will cause paralysis of 
the glottis or windpipe valve when only one part of it is 
present in one thousand parts of air; and those affected by 
it will tear open their throats with their fingers in their 
frantic efforts to get air. In the much weaker proportion of 
one part of it in five thousand parts of air, death results from 
the acute inflammation of the lungs that the poison induces; 
agonizing death follows a frothy hemorrhage from the lungs 
after more or less prolonged suffering associated with the 
acute pulmonary inflammation. In one to fifty thousand parts, 
death occurs in a few days by gangrene of the lungs. The 
effects of Bromine are similar to those of Chlorine but more 
active. 

Phosgene gas produces no effects immediately apparent. 
The person exposed to it may feel and act as usual for 
hours, then suddenly have a fatal collapse, apparently due 
to heart failure. Phosgene acts through its abstraction of 
lung moisture, etc. 

The Anhydrides (chemical compounds derived from acids 
and other substances by abstracting a molecule of water 
from them) abstract moisture from the lungs upon enter¬ 
ing them and revert, practically, to their former character, 
forming acids like their bases and act similarly. 

Nearly or quite all of the asphyxiating warfare-gases produce, 
immediately or remotely, intense distress in breathing, or a 
severe irritation of the eyes, or both. Their use. is some¬ 
times concealed or otherwise aided by being associated with 
the use of smoke-clouds or smoke-shells. 


156 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Smoke screens to hide troops, or to conceal ships from sub¬ 
marines, etc., have been produced largely from phosphorus, 
but titanium tetrachlorid, sulphur dioxid and ammonia, zinc 
dust and carbon tetrachlorid, and silicon tetrachlorid have also 
been experimented with for screen purposes. 

Prussic Acid gas is not much used; partly because it is too 
quickly fatal. Almost all of the other gases terrorize by the 
obviously agonizing distress they cause; and they reduce the 
number of combatants through the urgent efforts of the vic¬ 
tim's companions to afford him immediate relief, in what 
appears to be a critical, perhaps only temporary disability. 
It has a direct action upon the nervous system. When it is 
in a concentrated form, inhalation of it is followed almost 
immediately by unconsciousness and death. When it is in the 
dilute form it produces dizziness, headache, pains in the chest 
and difficult respiration; these may be followed by coma, con¬ 
vulsions and death. 

The following are the chief symptoms, as observed in the 
World War, in those affected by the suffocating gases to which 
reference has been made in the foregoing pages. (Those most 
familiar with such poisonings assert that they are, as a whole, 
essentially and practically Chlorine poisonings in character, 
effects and treatments.) : 

When a soldier is gassed to the point of collapse, he 
usually falls to the ground (where gas concentration and 
duration of exposure are the worst), gasping for breath 
and tearing at his throat with his fingers, almost blind and 
perhaps vomiting, his eyes smarting, and a burning feeling 
in his chest and a sensation as if it were in a vise. Death 
may take place immediately. (Usually those who thus 
died of suffocation had a greenish-yellow color after death.) 
Even some hours after being gassed, many victims are still 
choking, coughing up a green slime, making agonizing efforts 
to breathe, clutching at their throats and tearing open their 
clothes. At one moment they prop themselves up to gasp, 
and in another moment they fall back exhausted by their 
struggles. There is more or less headache and marked cy¬ 
anosis, especially of the lips and ears; in some cases a light- 
yellowish frothy discharge escapes from the mouth and 
nose. Some, especially the older men, are in a state of almost 
uninterrupted collapse, with faces and hands of a leaden hue, 
and heads fallen forward on their chests; the majority of 
these do not recover nor rally. Usually all except those dying 
or collapsed are fully conscious and fighting desperately for 
life. The typical case is cold, with subnormal temperature, 
restless, conscious, with slow, full pulse, except in case of 
collapse. The face is more or less intensely cyanosed, and 
there is a trained, anxious expression. The posture is that 
of being propped up in bed or on stretcher, with head thrown 
back, and gasping for breath; some lie upon the side with 


GASEOUS POISONS IN WARFARE 


156a 


head over the edge of the bed or stretcher, endeavoring to 
aid expectoration of a frothy mucus, and distressed by a 
choking cough. The respirations are jerky and hurried, and 
may be forty per minute. With each inspiration the chest 
expands to its fullest extent. 

Usually the person who has been gassed passes through 
three stages: First, the asphyxial stage (about 36 hours). 
Second, the quiescent or intermediate stage (about 12 hours). 
Third, the bronchitic stage. Some die in the third stage, the 
forthy secretion changing to a thick, greenish, muco-purulent 
expectoration; there is delirium, and the temperature may 
go up to 104° F.; the pulse is small and may run as high as 
160 beats per minute; the respirations become less choking 
and gasping, but more shallow and a short time before death 
as high as 70 per minute. Ueath occurs from acute con¬ 
gestion and edema of the lungs. 

The treatment in these poisonings aims to do three things : 
“First, to expel the excessive secretion. Second, to diminish 
the secretion. Third, to support the failing heart, and to 
oxygenate the blood.” If possible the patient should be placed 
in the open air, or in an airy room; heat should be applied 
to the feet and body, he should be well wrapped up and 
given hot drinks. The most serviceable emetic is salt and 
water, in ten-ounce doses, followed by warm water given 
freely. Vomiting may be induced by tickling the back of 
the throat with a soft brush, or the patient should be en¬ 
couraged to use his finger to vomit; usually the vomiting 
affords great relief, and brings away quantities of yellow¬ 
ish, frothy fluid. Very often the soldier, suddenly gassed, is 
fortunate enough to vomit profusely at once; this serves to 
clear out the deeper respiratory passages. If the gassed per¬ 
son is vomiting well, no efforts should be employed to in¬ 
crease the vomiting unless the. respiratory passages become 
obstructed with the secretion ; but if he has not vomited, he 
should be made to do so. The choking and gagging which 
occurs when the gassing takes place, accounts for the en¬ 
trance of the gas into the stomach. Chlorine poisoning deaths 
are called “dry land drowning” because the deeper respiratory 
passages become filled up with serous transudation. There¬ 
fore the Schaefer method of artificial respiration is very 
beneficial in that and similar poisonings. Ammonium Car¬ 
bonate in 10 to 15 grain doses, every three hours and, 10 to 15 
minims of Wine of Ipecac with the same frequency, act as 
stimulating expectorants. Atropin is of minor value and if 
used should be given early. Some have favored prompt 
venesection, to unburden the venous circulation, while others 
are opposed to it. 

Opium, best in form of the tincture in 5 to 15 minim doses, 
relieves the restlessness and allays the mental strain. Oxygen 
inhalations are helpful in marked cyanosis and dyspnea. 


156 b 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Desiccated Pituitary Body (Substance), (Posterior Lobe), hy¬ 
podermically in half-grain doses, and Brandy, for failing heart 
and general circulation is recommended. Some give oxygen 
hypodermically. Warmth and much fresh air are of special 
importance. Not <$nly is the quiescent period, in those who 
have been gassed, usually followed by a severe bronchitis, 
but they are quite apt to develop a gastritis and gastro¬ 
enteritis, characterized by furred tongue, loss of appetite, 
discomfort and burning in the gullet, tenderness over the 
stomach, recurrent vomiting, even of blood, from the stomach, 
bilious and bloody stools, diarrhoea and more or less jaundice; 
the liver may be enlarged, and albuminuria and hemo¬ 
globinuria present. Although the majority of those persons 
who have been gassed, even severely, recover, usually the 
recovery is slow and prolonged. Most of those who die, but 
not at once, succumb within 36 hours. In acute fatal cases, 
post mortem observations have shown: “An intense conges¬ 
tion of the entire respiratory tract, with bloody edema of a 
large portion of the lung tissue, and intervening small areas 
of acute emphysema.” 

The best preventive measures against gassing are the gas 
masks or helmets and respirators. 

From U. S. Government reports it appears that the gas 
masks first used, by the U. S. soldiers in the World War, were 
such as were in use by the English. The wearer breathed 
through his mouth and the air was inhaled after it had passed 
through a box or canister which contained absorbents.* The 
absorbent filling had been previously tested and proved to 
be effective in absorbing chlorine, phosgene and prussic acid. 
It was found that the rubberized cloth for the face piece 
must also be very impermeable to gases, and the canister fill¬ 
ing material be made so hard that it would not break up 
into a fine powder, thereby clogging the canister and inter¬ 
fering with respiration. Chlorpicrin and other new gases 
were introduced by the Germans soon after the U. S. entered 
the war. The masks were found to be an inadequate protec¬ 
tion and immediate efforts were instituted to meet the need. 
It having been found that charcoal was a good gas absorbent, 
various substances were carbonized in the effort to produce 
the most serviceable gas absorbing and neutralizing charcoal. 
Among the substances thus tried were various kinds of wood, 
nut shells, sea weed, ivory nuts, blood, lamp black, etc. The 
basis of most of the charcoal used was nut shells. It appears 
that hard, soda lime granules consisting of a mixture of 
caustic soda and calcium hydroxid was finally used to remove 
poisonous gases, or acid vapors, from the “ingoing air.” To 
oxidize certain gases or vapors and to facilitate their absorp¬ 
tion by the other substances in the filler, sodium permanganate 
was put in the mask. Dr. J. C. Frazer and other chemists 
developed an absorbent for gas masks to absorb carbon 


GASEOUS POISONS IN WARFARE 


156c 


monoxide. It is claimed that carbon monoxide gas can be 
continuously oxidized by the oxygen of the air in the presence 
of hopcalite (a mixture of the oxids of manganese, copper, 
cobalt and silver) in a gas mask. 

“When the allied forces were caught in the first gas attack 
by the Germans, a few men recognized the chlorine gas.” 
They knew that it has great affinity for moisture, and wet 
their handkerchiefs, coat sleeves or other pieces of cloth 
with water, or in the absence of such, even with urine, to 
breathe through; and they quickly passed the warning and 
advice along the lines, thus saving thousands of lives. 

“The P. H. Helmet” considerably used in the World War, 
was thus described: “It consists of a double flannelette bag 
with two eyepieces and a mouthpiece, consisting of a hard 
tube on the inside, and a flat piece of rubber on the out¬ 
side,” through which the poisonous carbon, dioxide, etc., of 
natural respiration may be exhaled; this rubber remains col¬ 
lapsed when exhalation is not taking place through it. The 
flannelette is impregnated with solutions of phenol, caustic 
soda, hexamine (hexamethylenamine) and glycerine.” It 
was claimed that the phenol was used to neutralize the chlorine 
gas, the caustic soda against the possibility of encountering 
prussic acid, and to neutralize the acid-producing gases. 
The hexamine was supposed to take out the phosgene; the 
glycerine to hold the chemicals in solution. 

A common French type of anti-gas appliance was a mask 
which consisted of several layers of gauze, each saturated with 
chemicals, and so adapted as to fit under the chin, up the sides 
of the face, and across the forehead, and held in place by rub¬ 
ber bands. The goggles of these masks are made of cellulose 
acetate, which will not break or fog from the breath. The mask 
must so fit as to prevent air from entering the space in front of 
the face. Each man must be fitted and use his own mask. 

The Box Respirator, commonly in use, consisted of a small 
canvas haversack, called a satchel, of two compartments, one 
of which contained the metal filter with its charcoal and 
sodium hyposulphite to absorb and neutralize the gas. The 
other, the mask, called the facepiece, was made of rubberized 
material, with mica eyeglasses, a nose clip (nose pincers), a 
rubber mouthpiece which was held in the teeth and which 
terminated on the outside of the facepiece in a flat, rubber 
exhaling valve, like that on the P. H. Helmet. Connecting 
the facepiece or mask and the metal filter, was a short length 
of non-collapsible tubing. The mask fitted the face closely and 
was held in place by broad elastic bands, passing around the 
head. Slight imperfections in helmets or respirators might 
easily permit of fatal results in gassing; hence, frequent in¬ 
spections were made as to their condition. It was commonly 
asserted that a person in danger of gassing should learn to 
apply the mask or respirator in from four to six seconds. 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


156 ^ 

Improved methods have been evolved for the removal 
of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and engine gases from the air 
within submarines. 


GELSEMIUM (YELLOW JASMINE) — GEL- 
SEMINE — AESCULIN. 

HISTORY: 

Has been more or less used as a pain-killer and to 
produce abortion. Has also caused poisoning 
through taking by mistake. 

Fatal dose: of the Fluid Extract (which is 4 times 
stronger than the Tincture) of Gelsemium 1 also 2 
drachms. 35 drops of the Tincture have caused 
death in 1^2 hours. A concentrated Tincture equiv¬ 
alent to 1/6 grain of Gelsemine caused death in 7^2 
hours. Death by paralysis of the respiratory 
centres. 


SYMPTOMS: 

Pain in brows and eyeballs: vision dim, some¬ 
times double; pupils dilated; ptosis; dropping of 
jaw; sense of langour; drowsiness ; great muscular 
relaxation; staggering; pulse rapid, feeble, skiff 
cold, moist; face anxious; voice lost; pain in chest; 
respiration slow, labored; sensibility diminished; 
suffocation ; spasm ; foaming at mouth ; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

1 . Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 or 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacu¬ 
anha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 


GELSEMIUM. 


157 


every io or 15 minutes until vomiting results), or 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. Keep head up. 

While syphoning, or before causing patient to 
vomit, give, if at hand and poison recently taken, 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water), or liberal draughts of strong 
tea, or a decoction of oak bark (a teaspoonful to 2 
wineglassfuls of hot water). Then evacuate the 
stomach again, unless vomiting continues. 

2. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls). 

3. Stimulate. [Atropine may hasten paralysis. 
If give: Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every ]/ 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture 
of Belladonna (20 drops in water every *4 to 
2 hours).] Stimulate heart, circulation, and res¬ 
piration with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonfuls 
doses, by mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or % tea¬ 
spoonful doses hypodermically as frequently), or 
with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful 
in a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, or % tea¬ 
spoonful hypodermically as frequently; also with 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every % to 2 hours). Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every ^ to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically, every % to 1 hour), or 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every ]/+ to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every to 1 hour if necessary), may be used 
for the same purpose. Draughts of strong coffee 
may also be given. 

4 . Morphine is considered to be the most com¬ 
plete antagonist (give *4 grain every J / 2 to 2 hours). 

5. Resort to electricity if necessary. Arouse by 
hot and cold water alternately douched on head and 
chest 


158 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


6 . Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 

bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Employ friction. 

7 . If respiration ceases or is labored, resort to 
artificial respiration (rhythmically raise and lower 
the extended arms from the sides up to over head 
and back again 18 times a minute). 

GOLD COMPOUNDS. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Irritant symptoms. It causes a pink stain upon 
the skin. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Give Albumin (white of egg) or flour (in 
water freely, and Sulphate of Iron (in 1 grain 
doses) promptly. 

2. Evacuate the stomach without delay (either 
independent of or in conjunction with above) if free 
vomiting has not already begun. Syphon out the 
stomach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, 
such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls 
of water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting 
is not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

While syphoning, or before causing patient to 
vomit, give, if at hand and poison recently taken, 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water), or liberal draughts of strong 
tea, or a decoction of oak bark (a teaspoonful to 2 


HYDROGEN SULPHIDE. 


159 


wineglassfuls of water). Then evacuate the stom¬ 
ach again, unless vomiting continues. 

3 . Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every 3/2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every 34 to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 20 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically, every 34 to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 
to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 
34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 
or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled, using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

GROUND GLASS. 

Although not a poison, when given in food, kills 
by irritation—mechanical action. Treat by giving 

bread or mush freely; emetic; castor oil; demul¬ 
cents ; use counter irritation. 

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (SULPHURETTED 

HYDROGEN). 

HISTORY: 

A very active narcotic poison, but its characteris¬ 
tic offensive rotten-egg-like odor prevents frequent 
accident. May prove instantly fatal if inhaled pure; 
even when diluted, if breathed, causes prompt insea 


160 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


sibility and even death; probably the result of rapid 
destruction of the blood corpuscles. Encountered 
by workmen in drains, sewers and cesspools. 
Usually, when encountered, is combined with other 
gases resulting from putrefaction of animal matter. 
The dark-brown or black color of the blood is due 
to the destruction of the blood corpuscles. 

Death by asphyxia. Spectroscope shows sulph- 
meth-hemoglobin. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Breathed in a diluted state, it quickly produces 
unconsciousness and death. Persons remaining 
long in an atmosphere contaminated with this gas 
experience nausea, weakness and giddiness, loss of 
blood from mouth, pupils dilated and fixed, face 
livid, convulsions, coma. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Take patient into open air; or if possible, pro¬ 
vide the patient with air containing Chlorine Gas to 
break up the Hydrogen Sulphide. 

2. Employ friction of limbs and trunk. 

3. Apply heat to the body (such as hot water bot¬ 
tles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or bags 
of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, applied 
to the feet and sides of the body to maintain bodily 
temperature. 

4 . Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or y 4 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 
15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain 
hypodermically every ^4 to 2 hours) and Atropine 
Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 
hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in 
water every y 2 to 2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis 
(30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypodermically, 
every y 2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin ( 1/100 grain hy- 


ILLUMINATING GAS 


161 


podermically every l /\. to I hour), or Caffein Citrate 
(i to 4 grains every ^ to i hour), and inhalations 
of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief and inhaled, using one every J4 to 1 
hour if necessary), may be used for the same pur¬ 
poses. Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. 

5 . For threatened death from embarrassed respi¬ 
ration, resort to artificial respiration (rhythmically 
raising and lowering arms from straight at sides to 
up over head and back again, 18 to 20 times a min¬ 
ute). 

HYDROPHOBIA. HYOSCYAMUS. 

(See Rabies Virus). (See Belladonna). 

ILLUMINATING GAS (COAL GAS, WATER 
GAS, ACETYLENE GAS), FUEL GAS, 
ROCK GAS—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

The facts stated regarding Carbonic Oxide apply 
in the main to Illuminating Gas; but the physiolog¬ 
ical effects of the latter are due to its displacing air, 
thus removing oxygen, and to the combined effect 
of this gas and heavier hydrocarbons. Poisoning 
has occurred from leakage of pipes in an adjoin¬ 
ing room or from cellar or even a street main, the 
gas filtering in such case through the soil and per¬ 
haps so diluted as to be odorless, yet poisoning. The 
gas may be diffused through walls and partitions. 
Water Gas is more dangerous than Coal Gas. 

GENERAL SYMPTOMS: 

Headache; confusion; dizziness; nausea; uncer¬ 
tain gait; weakness ; loss of memory ; impaired respi¬ 
ration ; perhaps convulsions; unconsciousness and 
death. If unconscious, patient may rouse up for a 
little while and seem intelligent, and then again be¬ 
come unconscious or have convulsions and die. 
Secondary Asphyxia and death may occur after ap¬ 
parently almost complete recovery. 

The symptoms vary in poisoning by Illuminating 
Gas, according to whether they are those of true 
asphyxia (suffocation) or of slow Carbonic Oxide 
poisoning (by slow absorption). 


162 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Asphyxia, due to an overwhelming quantity of 
the Gas interrupting respiration and rapidly poison¬ 
ing, exhibits such characteristic symptoms as chok¬ 
ing, gasping, suffused eyes, congested face, cyanosis, 
collapse, coma, death. 

Asphyxia by Illuminating Gas (true suffocation) 
is very different from a slow absorption— poisoning 
resulting from prolonged or irregular breathing of 
the diluted Gas. 

Headache, dizziness, loss of appetite and malaise 
from slow poisoning from leaky pipes, etc., by small 
amounts of Gas, present in the air of rooms. 

TREATMENT: 

No true antidote known for poisoning by the Gas. 

For true poisoning by the Gas, treat as for Car¬ 
bon Monoxide (q. v.). 

For suffocation by the Gas, fresh air inhalations 
and gentle stimulation. If necessary, artificial res¬ 
piration. (See i and 4 under Carbon Monoxide). 

INKS (See Appendix) 

Treatment: According to chief toxic ingredient. 

INSECT POWDER, POISONOUS. 

Treat as in Arsenic Poisoning (q. v.). 

For Dalmatian, Persian (Pyrethrum) : Evacuate; 

free catharsis.] 

INSECTS, POISONOUS. (See p. 244.) The 
bite or sting of bee, hornet, wasp, etc. Insect may inject 
formic acid to repel by irritation, or, to thin blood and 
keep it fluid to suck up. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Usually mainly local irritation. When by taran¬ 
tula or scorpion may be serious and consist of: 
pain; swelling; fever; erysipelas; suppuration; gan¬ 
grene; death. 

TREATMENT: 

In mild cases apply strong solution of Ammon. 
Chlor. strong soap-suds, or other alkali, or Tr. Iodine, 
to affected part. If stinger was left in, extract. Cold 
wet cloths, Camphorated Chloral, or Beta Naphthol 
Oint. (30 gr. to 1 oz,) t for pain. Stimulate * 


IODINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


163 


*[To repel insects, apply kerosene, or oil of cedar, citronella, lavender 
04 drachm, in alcohol—to saturation sol.), or pennyroyal; or in room, 
hang sweet clover. In severe cases treat as in snake bite. (q. v.)]. 

IODINE AND IODIDES. 

HISTORY: 

Iodine is sometimes taken by mistake for harmless 
mixtures or medicines. Rarely used for suicide or mur¬ 
der. 20 grs. caused death. Recovery has occurred 
after taking drachms. Death from i drachm 
of Tincture. Death usually occurs within 30 hours. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Pain in throat and stomach; metallic taste in 
mouth; salivation; great thirst; severe gastro¬ 
enteritis; vomiting; purging; vomit yellow from 
Iodine, blue if farinaceous articles be present in 
stomach; face deathly pale; urine entirely sup¬ 
pressed; giddiness; faintness; pulse rapid, feeble; 
high fever; pain in larynx; eyelids sometimes 
swollen ; albuminuria ; cyanosis ; great excitement; 
convulsive movements; collapse. 

TREATMENT: 

I. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water contain¬ 
ing egg and starch paste. If tube is not at hand, use 
an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes 
if vomiting is not produced), or Mustard (a table¬ 
spoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 
minutes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered 
Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a tea¬ 
spoonful, every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting re¬ 
sults), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermi¬ 
cally (1/10 grain, every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

Starch is the antidote to free Iodine forming 
Iodide of Starch. Promptly and freely give large 
quantities of starch, wheat flour or arrow-root water 
(water made by boiling starch in water or by pour¬ 
ing boiling water upon such), or give Sodium Thio- 


164 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water). 
The stomach must be evacuated soon after giving 
the antidote, as the compound is not altogether 
inactive. Sodium Bicarb, is antidotal in 2 dr. doses. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, flaxseed or elm tea, barley water, gum arabic or 
oatmeal gruel, gelatin, or even crushed bananas), 
to soothe and protect the irritated or inflamed sur¬ 
faces. Give Castor Oil. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently) ; also with Strych¬ 
nine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every 
to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 
grain hypodermically, every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every ^2 to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every y 2 
to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermic¬ 
ally every % to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 
grains every y to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl 
Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handker¬ 
chief and inhaled, using one every y to 1 hour if 
necessary), may be used for the same purpose. 
Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum, 10 to 20 drops 
every l / 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in 
gruel by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sul¬ 
phate grain by mouth or hypodermically, every 


IODOFORM. 


165 


Y?, to 2 hours), to relieve pain and nervous irrita¬ 
bility. 

IODOFORM—IODOL—ARISTOL. 

HISTORY: 

Iodoform taken by mistake or poisoning by ab¬ 
sorption from surgical dressings. 4 drachms by 
mouth has been recovered from, but small doses 
have caused serious symptoms. ; death from 30 grs. 

GENERAL SYMPTOMS: 

Drowsiness; slight delirium ; emaciation; high tem¬ 
perature ; rapid pulse; symptoms resemble meningitis. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Wash the wound with the Oil of Eucalyptus. 

[If the poison was swallowed evacuate the stomach.] 

2. Give stimulants if necessary. Stimulate heart, 
circulation, and respiration with Brandy or Whisky 
(2 teaspoonful doses by mouth every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes, or y teaspoonful doses hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently). or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a 
teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, 
or y teaspoonful hypodermically as frequently) ; 
also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every y to 2 hours) and Atropine Sul¬ 
phate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermically, every y 2 
to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in 
water every y 2 to 2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis 
(15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypo¬ 
dermically, every ^2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 
grain hypodermically, every y to 1 hour), or Caffein 
Citrate (1 to 4 grains every y to 1 hour), and in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in handkerchief and inhaled, using one every y 
to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for same purpose. 
Draughts of strong coffee mav also be given. Give Po¬ 
tassium Bromide. Potassium Bicarbonate aids elimi- 

nation. IPECACUANHA. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Vomiting; hematemesis ; hemoptysis. 


166 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

1. Wash out the stomach if possible. 

2. Give vegetable acids, such as vinegar and water 
(equal parts), Acetic Acid, diluted (a teaspoonful in 
l / 2 pint of water), Citric Acid or Tartaric Acid (34 to 
2 drachms in a pint of water), or clear lemon juice, 
or orange juice, freely. 

3. Give stimulants if necessary. Stimulate heart, 
circulation, and respiration with Brandy or Whisky 
(2 teaspoonful doses, by mouth every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes, or T 4 teaspoonful doses hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently), or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a 
teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, 
or )4 teaspoonful hypodermically as frequently) ; 
also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every 34 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sul¬ 
phate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermically, every 34 
to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in 
water every 34 to 2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis 
(15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypo¬ 
dermically. every )4 to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 
grain hypodermically, every 34 to 1 hour), or Caffein 
Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 to 1 hour), and in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for 
the same purpose. Draughts of strong coffee may 
also be given. Give Opium or Morphine for pain. 

JABORANDI (PILOCARFUS) — PILOCAR¬ 
PINE. 

HISTORY: 

The dangerous dose of Pilocarpine is assumed to 
be 2 grains subcutaneously. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Profuse sweating; dizziness; salivation; vomit¬ 
ing; purging; tearing pain in eyeballs; contracted 
pupils; myopia. 


JABORANDI. 


167 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacu¬ 
anha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

While syphoning, or before causing patient to 
vomit, give, if at hand and poison recently taken. 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water), or liberal draughts of strong 
tea, or a decoction of oak bark (a teaspoonful to 2 
wineglassfuls of hot water). Then evacuate the 
stomach again, unless vomiting continues, 

2. Give Atropine Sulphate —(1/100 grain antago¬ 
nizes 1/6 grain of Pilocarpine)—(1/120 to 1/60 
grain hypodermically every ]/ 2 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every x / 2 to 
2 hours by mouth). Very efficacious in arresting 
the symptoms. 

3 . Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every % to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hvpodermically, every 20 minutes until pupils are 
dilated), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in 
water every 20 minutes until the pupils are dilated). 


168 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically, every 34 to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically, every *4 
to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 
34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 
or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled, using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

4. Morphine Sulphate (34 grain every *4 to 2 
hours) to control nausea and vomiting. 

JALAP. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Large, watery stools; tormina; tenesmus. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, flaxseed or elm tea, barley, gum arabic or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas) to soothe and protect the 
irritated or inflamed surfaces. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 


LABURNUM. 


169 


doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a littie 
water every io to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically, every ^ to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically, every *4 to 2 hours), or Tincture 
of Belladonna (20 drops in water every l / 2 to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every /4 to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically, 
every 54 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every 34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every *4 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

“KNOCK-OUT” DROPS. 

(Commonly contain Chloral, with perhaps Opium, 
Hyoscyamus, Bromides or Cannabis Indica). 

Treatment: Note symptoms as to predominant 
poison and treat accordingly (see such poison). 

LABURNUM (THE SEEDS, WOOD, BARK, 
LEAVES, FLOWERS, PODS)—CYTI¬ 
SINE—ARNICA—GOLDEN ROD. 

HISTORY: 

All parts of Laburnum are poisonous, due to the 
presence of Cytisine, which is also contained in 
Arnica. Half an ounce of the Laburnum root has 
caused very serious symptoms. 

SYMPTOMS • 

Symptoms usually come on very rapidly; vomit¬ 
ing; purging; restlessness; drowsiness; twitchings; 
rigidity; convulsions ; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

i. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 


170 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small 
cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effec¬ 
tive), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 
grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 
to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apomor- 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, 
repeated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. Give Tannic Acid 
or Gallic Acid (30 grains in a cupful of water, then 
10 minutes afterwards again evacuate the stomach). 
If Tannic or Gallic Acid not convenient, give plenty 
of strong tea or a decoction of oak bark. 

2. Give Epsom Salt (34 to 1 ounce—1 to 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls—in a teacupful of water), or Rochelle 
Salt (2 teaspoonfuls in a small cupful of water). 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 
hours), and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every 34 to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 20 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically every 34 
to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 
5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and in¬ 
haled, using one every 34 1° 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given (a pint by enema). 

4. Employ alternately, hot and cold douches to 

the head and chest to arouse the patient. 


LEAD AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 171 

LACTUCARIUM. 

Symptoms somewhat similar to those of Opium, 
Treat as in Opium poisoning (q.v.). 

LARKSPUR—STAVESACRE. 

Symptoms are tetanic-like. Treat as for Nux 
Vomica poisoning (q. v.). 

LAUREL: “Broad-Leaf,” “Poison,” “Moun¬ 

tain, M “Wood,” “Sheep,” (etc.) Laurel. It poisons 
man and animals. Causes nausea, vomiting, 
dyspnea, dizziness, drowsiness, stupor. Treatment: 
Evacuate and stimulate, as in Laburnum. 

LEAD AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 

HISTORY: 

Poisoning from Lead is usually by the Acetate 
(“Sugar of Lead”), sometimes by the Carbonate 
(“White Lead”), by Red Lead, or by Goulard’s Ex¬ 
tract. Sugar of Lead has been accidentally mixed 
with flour, in place of alum. White Lead has been 
mistaken for chalk, and Goulard’s Extract for wine, 
resulting in poisoning. 

ip2 drachms of the basic Acetate has caused ser¬ 
ious symptoms; an ounce of Sugar of Lead has been 
taken without fatal result; Goulard's Extract Y\ 
pint has been recovered from, also an ounce of 
White Lead; about 2]/ 2 drachms of the Carbonate 
of Lead caused the death of a child. Death in fatal 
cases is usually 3 or 4 days after the patient is 
prostrated. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Throat dry; great thirst; sweet, metallic taste in 
mouth; breath foetid; colic, relieved by pressure; 
abdominal muscles very rigid ; cramps in legs; par¬ 
alysis of extremities ; vomited matters white; stools 
black (lead sulphide); sometimes constipation; 
rapid, tense, cord-like pulse, becoming weak and 
relaxed ; anxious, pinched, livid face ; vertigo; an¬ 
esthesia ; stupor; muscular twitching; convulsions; 
coma; death. Secondary effects may be atrophy 
of extensor muscles. 


172 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

Give soluble sulphate, such as Magnesium oi 
Sodium Sulphate, to form insoluble Lead Sulphate. 
With Magnesium Sulphate also give white of egg. 

Treat same as for poisoning by Barium compounds 
(q. v.). Morphine and Atropine for vomiting and 
colic; or Alum for coho. Put i )4 drachms Powdered 
Alum in pint boiling milk, separate curd, sweeten 
with sugar, give wineglassful every i or 2 hrs. Elim¬ 
inate poison by Potassium Iodide (10 to 20 grains in 
water every 2 to 4 hours), which renders it soluble. 
Elimination takes place by bile, perspiration and 
urine. Also employ sulphur baths. Use electricity. 
Avoid carbonates. 

LIME. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Burning pain in the abdomen; intense thirst; 
obstinate constipation. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Give a vegetable acid: lemon juice or orange 
juice freely; or Citric Acid (t to 2 drachms to a 
pint of water), or Tartaric Acid (1 to 2 drachms to 
a pint of water), or Acetic Acid (a teaspoonful in 
34 pint of water), or Vinegar (in 34 cupful doses, 
with water). The soluble sulphates, such as Mag¬ 
nesium or Sodium Sulphate (in 1 to 2 tablespoon¬ 
ful doses in water). 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of 3 or 4 eggs, 
milk, oil, flaxseed or elm tea, barley water, gum 
arabic or starch water, oatmeal gruel, or even 
crushed bananas) to soothe and protect the irri¬ 
tated or inflamed surfaces. 

3. If pain is severe, give Opium (Powdered 
Opium, 1 to 2 grains every 34 to 2 hours), or Lau¬ 
danum (20 drops every )4 to 2 hours by mouth, or 
34 teaspoonful in gruel by rectum as frequently), 
or Morphine Sulphate (34 grain by mouth, or hypo¬ 
dermically every }4 to 2 hours), to relieve pain and 
nervous irritability. 


LOBELIA. 173 

LOBELIA (LOBELIA INFLATA, INDIAN 

TOBACCO). 

HISTORY: 

A drachm of the powdered leaves is considered a 
fatal dose. Death in to 4 days. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Violent vomiting; severe depression and prostra¬ 
tion; sometimes violent purging; cold sweat; pale 
skin; feeble pulse; giddiness; tremors; sometimes 
burning pain in fauces and esophagus; convulsions; 
coma; collapse; death. 

TREATMENT: 

Keep in recumbent position, even after acute 
symptoms are relieved. 

1. Evacuate the stomach, if free vomiting has not 
already occurred, i. e., syphon out the stomach with 
a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a stomach- 
tube isnotat hand, usean emetic, such asZinc Sulphate 
(20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls water, repeated in 10 to 
15 minutes if vomiting is not produced), or Mustard 
(a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 
15 minutes if not effective). After giving the emetic, 
give plenty of lukewarm water to encourage vomiting. 

While syphoning, or before causing patient to 
vomit, give, if at hand and poison recently taken, 
Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water), or liberal draughts of strong tea, 
or a decoction of oak bark (a teaspoonful to 2 wine- 
gla^fuls hot water). Then evacuate the stomach 
again, unless vomiting continues. Caustic alkalies 
decompose the poison. 

2. Give Castor Oil (2 tablespoonfuls). 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whiskey (2 teaspoonful doses, by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently), or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or ]/\ teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 


174 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every % to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically, every f 4 to 2 hours), or Tincture 
of Belladonna (20 drops in water every l /^ to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every 34 to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every % to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every *4 to 2 hours), or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
34 to 2 hours by mouth, or *4 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (% 
grain by mouth, or hypodermically every 34 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability, 

LOCO LOCO WEED 

(Colorado Itch) HISTORY; (Crazy Weed) 

Poisonous, generally; and poison horses, cattle 
and sheep. Produce mania, erratic, grotesque move¬ 
ments, defective vision, progressive emaciation. 
Treatment: Emetics; cathartics; sedatives or nar¬ 
cotics as Chloral, Bromides, Opium, etc., with quiet 
surroundings ; later stimulants, tonic, etc, 

MAD-DOG-BITE (See p. 201). 

MALE FERN. 

Evacuation, stimulation, as in Lobelia. Avoid oil. 

MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 

Bichloride of Mercury (Corrosive Sublimate)_ 

Red Precipitate (Red Oxide of Mercury)— 
White Precipitate (Ammoniated Mercury) 
—Etc. 


MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


175 


HISTORY: 

Corrosive Sublimate has been dispensed for Calo¬ 
mel. It is used to kill insects and vermin, to pre¬ 
serve specimens, also to prevent dry rot in timber. 
Death may result from a lotion or ointment of it. 
Antiseptic solutions used for washing out cavities 
and as a surgical dressing may poison. 

Fatal dose: White Precipitate has caused danger¬ 
ous symptoms in 30 to 40 grain doses; 10 grains of 
the Cyanide of Mercury has caused death; Turpeth 
Mineral has been fatal in doses of 40 grains; 3 grains 
of Corrosive Sublimate has been fatal; but recovery 
from an ounce taken on a full stomach, free vomit¬ 
ing being promptly induced. The rubbing into the 
body of a salve of finely divided Mercury for the 
itch has caused death. Inhalations of * Mercury 
poured on red hot coals has caused death. The 
fatal result may occur in 3T hour or be delayed to 
2 weeks. An alcoholic solution of Corrosive Subli¬ 
mate (80 grs. to ounce) applied to scalp for ring worm 
killed girl 9 yrs. of age. Death, usually mainly due 
to nephritis and uremia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

N. B.—The following symptoms refer especially 
to Corrosive Sublimate, but are in the main also 
characteristic of the others. 

Severe gastro-enteritis; acrid, metallic, coppery 
taste in mouth; sense of constriction in throat; 
burning heat in esophagus and stomach; colicky 
pains; mucous, bilious, bloody vomiting; mucous, 
serous, bloody, straining stools; lips and tongue 
white and swollen, perhaps shriveled; breath fetid; 
pulse small, frequent, irregular; face swollen and 
flushed or anxious and pinched; extremities cold; 
convulsions; coma; collapse; death. Pain may be 
absent. Skin eruption (Eczema Mercurial) if 
symptoms are protracted. Secondary symptoms 
are coppery taste in mouth; foul breath; swollen, 
tender, dark-red colored gums; hectic fever; teeth 
sticky; tongue swollen and thickly furred; breath 
offensive; salivation. In salivation the saliva may 
be increased from a pint to i l / 2 pints in a day. There 
may be a mercurial tremor, and anuria. 


176 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


TREATMENT: 

i. Promptly evacuate the stomach, giving anti¬ 
dotal albumin in so doing or before. Syphon out 
the stomach with a stomach-tube, using albumen- 
water (white of one egg to a quart of water) or, a 
magnesia-water (Heavy Magnesium Oxide, a tea¬ 
spoonful or more to a quart of water—add the Mag¬ 
nesia as a thin paste). While the lavage fluid is 
being prepared, administer if possible, the white 
of egg or other albuminous substance described be¬ 
low (see “2”). If stomach-tube is not available em¬ 
ploy emetic instead such as Mustard (a tablespoon¬ 
ful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 min¬ 
utes if not effective) ; or Syrup of Ipecac (2 tea¬ 
spoonfuls every 10 minutes, 3. or 4 times if required 
to secure effect), or, Apomorphine Hydrochlorate 
(1/10 grain hypoderm., repeated in 15 minutes if 
necessary). 

(1). “2.” Stir up white of egg in water or milk 
(whites of 4 eggs to 1 pint) and give before or 
when begin to evacuate stomach. In poisoning by 
Corrosive Sublimate, avoid excess of albumin, as 
the Albuminate of Mercury formed by the white of 
egg becomes soluble in an excess of the latter, also 
in the alkaline contents of the intestines, and may 
be absorbed. Give white of 1 egg for every 4 grains 
of Corrosive Sublimate taken. If eggs not at hand, 
give finely chopped raw, lean meat, mixed up in milk 
or water; or wheat flour and milk, or Magnesia and 
milk. May mix flour in water and give, if eggs, 
meat or milk not at hand. After giving albumin, 
milk, or flour, again evacuate stomach; washing out 
thoroughly if possible. Give Magnesium Sulphate 


MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 


177 


(i or 2 ozs. in 2 or 3 ozs. of water) by stomach- 
tube or as drink; and in 2 quarts of water may use it 
or use Fischer’s solution as a helpful enema. May 
well give as cathartic Sodium Sulphate or Phos¬ 
phate. Potassium Iodide (io to 20 grains, in water, 
every 2 to 4 hrs., has been recommended. 

Neutralizing the free acids of the stomach and 
secretions by lavaging the stomach 2 or 3 times a 
day with a weak solution of Sodium Bicarbonate 
(40 grains in 3 ozs. of water), or Sodium Carbonate 
(20 grs.), or Citrate (40 grs.), or other alkali, as in 
some other poisonings, is proving very helpful as a 
continuing treatment. Also the giving of Calcium 
Sulphid (5 gr. in 3 or 4 ounces of water 2 or 3 times 
a day), or Magnesia (J 4 to 1 dram in 3 or 4 ounces 
of water). Use mouth gargle of Hydrogen Perox. 

Schisler and Brashear report great success by 
giving Magnesium Oxide 30 to 60 grains in water, 
every 3 or 4 hours; and with Sodium Bicarbonate 
used similarly. They maintain a salt-free diet and 
encourage free perspiration to aid elimination. 
Rosenbloom favors lavage of stomach with Calcium 
Sulphid, one grain to one ounce of water. He gives 
about 3 ounces of such solution by mouth for two 
days; and also gives a tablet of Sodium Phosphate 
0.35 gram, an d Sodium Acetate 0.24 gram, 3 times 
a day as an antidote. He uses Fischer’s solution 
(Sodium Chlorid 14 gm., and Sodium Carbonate 
20 gm., in 1,000 c.c. of water), intravenously; also 
washes out the stomach twice daily, giving immedi¬ 
ately afterwards 5 grains of Calcium Sulphid in 3 
ounces of water. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 


17 la 


MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, or Brandy or 
Whiskey.; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 
1/20 grain, hypoderm., every % to 2 hours). 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypoderm¬ 
ically, every ^ to 2 hours), or Tincture of Bella¬ 
donna (5 to 10 drops in water every 2 to 6 hours) 
lessens the secretion in ptyalism. Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every ^ to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically, every 34 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every ^ to 1 hour if necessary), may be used as 
stimulants. Draughts of strong coffee may also be 
given. Also give demulcents. 

4. Employ Artificial heat [as in 4 of p. 168]. 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains 
every ^ to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
y 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or *4 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (34 
grain by mouth, or hypodermically, every 34 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

6. Bismuth, Dilute Nitric Acid in water, or Tan¬ 
nin as gargles' and mouth washes for salivation. 

The intravenous injection of 734 grains of Calcium 
Sulphide in 734 ounces of boiled and filtered water 
has been found beneficial. Also Fischer’s, or normal 
salt solution. 

[Some favor the following treatment, especially 
in cases seen early, in accordance with the Lambert 
and Paterson method: 

Give whites of several eggs, then thorough lavage 


NAPHTHALIN. 


177 b 


* 4 


of stomach ; then introduce a pint of milk. If nausea 
persists repeat the lavage in an hour. When the 
stomach is quiet, give every other hour one-half 
pint of a mixture of sugar and Cream of Tartar each 
one dram, lemon juice one ounce, boiling water one 
pint. Every alternate hour give one-half pint of 
milk. Give Potassium Acetate solution, one dram 
to the pint, by colonic drip enteroclysis, continu¬ 
ously, to induce copious diuresis. Wash out the 
stomach and irrigate the colon, twice daily, to re¬ 
move any of the poison being eliminated through 
these organs. Induce free perspiration by daily use 
of hot pack. The treatment should be continued 
until the urine examination, on two successive days, 
shows the poison is no longer present. For mild 
cases, a week’s treatment may suffice. In cases 
where a large dose or a series of doses of the poison 
have been taken, or in which there was a previous 
kidney lesion or in which treatment has been de¬ 
layed for one or more days, it may be necessary to 
continue it for as long as three weeks. If the treat¬ 
ment is delayed until anuria develops (usually on 
or by the fourth day), a favorable outcome is quite 
uncertain although urination be re-established.] 

N. B.—Corrosive Sublimate is soluble in Alcohol 
and in Ether. Ether abstracts it from its solution 
in water. 


NAPHTHALIN. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Depression; cyanosis; twitching; strangury; 
dark-brown changing to inky-black urine. 


178 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

I. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, flaxseed or elm tea, barley, gum arabic or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, or even crushed bananas), to 
soothe and protect the irritated or inflamed sur¬ 
faces. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or y teaspoonful 
hypodermically as frequently), or with Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every y to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture 
of Belladonna (20 drops in water every l / 2 to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every y 2 to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every y to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every y to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every % to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purposes. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be 2*iven. 


NITROBENZENE—N1TR0BENZ0L. 


179 


NICOTINE. 

HISTORY: 

A liquid alkaloid obtained from tobacco. Has 
been used for suicide and murder. Is a very deadly 
poison, death occurring in some instances in a few 
minutes. 

The fatal dose of Nicotine for an adult not accus¬ 
tomed to tobacco is placed at about i/io of a drop. 
It is one of the most deadly poisons known, caus¬ 
ing death in 3 minutes; but death has been delayed 
for hours. (See Tobacco). 

NITROBENZENE (NITROBENZOL, ES¬ 
SENCE OF MIRBANE, ARTIFICIAL OIL 
OF BITTER ALMONDS). 

HISTORY: 

A pale yellow oily fluid resembling in odor that of 
bitter almonds and because of its odor is added 
sometimes to sweetmeats, liqueurs or pomades. Its 
fumes, swallowing it, or only applying it to the skin, 
may poison. Workers in anilin dyes are exposed 
to danger from handling it. It is the solvent in 
many liquid shoe blackings and may poison by being 
absorbed. It is a powerful narcotic; effects similar 
to those of Prussic Acid. Death in hours or days. 

Fatal Dose : 8 to 15 drops is considered a fatal dose ; 
or merely tasting the fluid. Death from asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS : 

The symptoms vary in character and may be 
strangely delayed for a day or two. Languor; numb 
feeling in head; confusion of mind; nausea; anxi¬ 
ety ; cyanosis; dark nails, lips, tongue and mouth; 
dilated pupils ; convulsions. Coma. 

TREATMENT: 

When swallowed. 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, uemg plenty of water. If 


180 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (i/io 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

Then give Ammonium Carbonate (2 to 10 grain 
doses every 2 to 4 hours in much water), or Spirit 
of Mindererus ()4 to 1 tablespoonful in water every 
g to 4 hours), or 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation and respiration 

with Aqua Ammonia teaspoonful in a cupful of 
water), or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a tea¬ 
spoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
% teaspoonful hypodermically as frequently), or with 
Chloric Ether ( y 2 teaspoonful in water every 15 to 30 
minutes), or give these as enema; also with Strych¬ 
nine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every % to 
2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically, every ^ to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every ^ to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically, every ^ to 2 hours), or 
Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically, every to 1 
hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every % to 1 
hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every ^ to 1 hour if necessary), or inhalations of 
Ammonia may be given for the same purposes. 
Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. The 
transfusion of a normal saline solution (2)4 level tea¬ 
spoonfuls of salt to 1 quart of water, used at no° F.) 
may prove serviceable. [Blood is thick and brown.] 
Avoid alcohol by stomach as favors absorption. 


NITROGLYCERINE. 


181 


3. Employ alternate hot and cold douche to 

idlest, pouring from a height. Rub body. 

4. Employ artificial respiration if necessary (by 
rhythmically raising arms extended at sides to up 
over head and back 18 times a minute) until recov¬ 
ery results or cardiac pulsation is lost. 

5. Give oxygen. Use normal salt solutions per 
rectum. Chloroform for excitement. 

6. Employ interrupted current of electricity 
over heart region and to chest walls. Flagellate. 

When inhaled : omit No. 1. 

NITRIC ACID. NITRITES. 

(See Acids, Mineral.) (See Amyl Nitrite.) 

NITROGLYCERINE. 

HISTORY : 

Is used as a remedy for neuralgia, angina pectoris, 
and various cardiac affections; has been taken by 
mistake for a beverage. 

Fatal dose : two mouthfuls of crude Nitroglycer¬ 
ine caused death; 1/50 m. severe headache. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Throbbing headache, increased by motion ; “queer” 
feeling in head; pulsation all over body, even to the 
tips of the fingers; mental confusion; giddiness; 
sense of constriction in throat; irregular pulse; mus¬ 
cular weakness; precordial pain; dilated pupils; 
flushed face; anxiety; scanty, pigmented urine; 
sudden collapse; sometimes nausea and loss of con¬ 
sciousness; also symptoms characteristic of the 
Nitrites. 

TREATMENT: 

Emetics and cathartics. Recumbent position. 

Apply to head, cloths containing ice or wrung out in 
ice water. Give Brandy (1 to 4 teaspoonful doses). 
Give Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every ^ to 2 hours) and Atropine Sul¬ 
phate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypodermically, every 
to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in 


182 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


water every % to 2 hours). As a rule the Bella¬ 
donna relieves the headache. Also give Fluid Ex¬ 
tract of Ergot to 1 teaspoonful in water, re¬ 
repeated in 15 to 30 minutes, by mouth, or half as 
much, or a grain of Ergotin, hypodermically). Also 
■coffee for headache. 


OILS, VOLATILE. 

(See p. 222), 


NITROUS OXIDE. 

(See Anesthetics). 


NUX VOMICA (STRYCHNOS NUX VOM¬ 
ICA, POISON NUT, QUAKER BUTTONS, 
RAT’S BANE) — STRYCHNOS IGNATII — 
STRYCHNINE — BRUCINE. 


HISTORY: 


Poisoning may result from swallowing a vermin 
killer containing meal or flour with strychnine, and 
perhaps arsenic also. Game killed with Strychnine 
may poison. The drug is used for both suicide and 
murder. It has been taken by mistake for Santo- 
nine, for Salicin, etc. Brucine may be physiologic¬ 
ally considered a dilute Strychnine. 

Fatal dose: Powdered Nux Vomica, 30 grains. 
(One seed weighs about 30 grains—sufficient quan¬ 
tity to cause death). Extract of Nux Vomica, 3 
grains. Death may occur from Nux Vomica in 
from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Three grains of 
Strychnine are usually fatal, and 1/6 of a grain has 
caused death; 1/16 of a grain hypodermically has 
produced alarming symptoms. It is probable that 
7/10 of a grain hypodermically would produce death; 
1/16 of a grain by mouth killed a child 2 years old 
in 4 hours; a recovery in an adult from 20 grains 
after prompt emetic; Dr. Warner died in 20 minutes 
from % grain (likely to kill), taken by mistake. 

Death or recovery is usually speedy. There is 
hope of recovery if the patient lives over 5 or 6 
hours. Fatal results have occurred in 5 minutes. 


NtJX VOMICA. 


183 


There was death after 6 hours in a case where 6 
grains of Strychnine were given with some Morphine. 
Average fatal dose Strychnine about 1^2 gr. Death 
in 1^4 hrs. from 34 grain. Recovery from 40 grs. 

Death, from suffocation or exhaustion, usually in 
about 1 or 2 hours from beginning of symptoms. 

The taste of Strychnine is intensely bitter and a 
dilution of 1 part in 100,000 may still be recognized 
by its bitter taste. 


SYMPTOMS: 

A sense of suffocation and difficulty in breathing; 
sudden muscular rigidity; stiffness about the neck; 
uneasy startings and sense of impending death, fol¬ 
lowed by tetanic convulsions, which come on in par¬ 
oxysms varying in intervals from 3 to 30 minutes; 
lasting from 1 to 5 minutes or longer; opisthotonos; 
limbs rigid, head bent back, body stiffened and 
arched, resting on head and heels, with everted 
feet, during paroxysm—sometimes the arching is 
forward and sometimes it is sideways; convulsions 
produced by a slight touch, breath of air, or noise; 
between convulsions a complete relaxation; face 
dusky from difficulty in breathing; eyeballs promi¬ 
nent and pupils dilated during paroxysm; lips livid; 
a peculiar grin (risus sardonicus), corners of mouth 
drawn back; eyes fixed, widely opened; great thirst 
but inability to drink from spasms of jaws; respira¬ 
tion suspended during convulsion, patient quite con¬ 
scious; often great anxiety; sometimes convulsive 
screams; cramp-like muscular contractions; pulse 
feeble and very rapid during paroxysm; involuntary 
defecation and urination; lock-jaw late in poison* 
ing; death. (Distinguish from idiopathic or trau¬ 
matic tetanus). 

TREATMENT: 

N. B. — Put patient in horizontal position in a 
dark room, free from all noise. 

1. Give animal charcoal (ad libitum), or Tannic 
Acid (30 grains in a small wineglassful of water), 


184 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


which forms a very insoluble tannate; or Iodine (i 
to 2 grains) and Potassium Iodide (5 to 10 grains) 
in water (a small wineglassful), or strong tea, or a 
decoction of oak bark (j/2 ounce to a gill of water) ; 
or, Tr. Iodine, dr. doses; follow by syphonage, 
the stomach-pump, or an emetic if spasms have not 
set in. 

Potassium Permanganate (in 10 grain doses in 
a pint of water and repeated in 2 hours) is said to 
be a good antidote. Also Iodide of Starch. 

2. Evacuate the stomach QUICKLY: Syphon 
out the stomach repeatedly with warm water, 
using a stomach-tube and gag. If tube is not at 
hand, use the stomach-pump, or give an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate 20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re¬ 
peated every 15 minutes until effective). After 
giving emetic, always give plenty lukewarm 
water to encourage vomiting. After tetanic symp¬ 
toms have begun, avoid using stomach-tube 
or an emetic until the paroxysms have been con¬ 
trolled. In syphoning use Chloroform inhalations. 

3. Give Spirit of Nitrous Ether (a teaspoonful). 

Catheterize frequently to prevent reabsorption. 

4. Give inhalations of Chloroform or Ether to 
control the spasms; or give Chloral (20 to 30 grains 
in water by mouth or twice as much by rectum, 
every ^ to 2 hours), or Potassium Bromide (1 to 2 
drachms in water every ^ to 1 hour by mouth, or 
i l / 2 to 2 drachms by rectum), not both Chloral and 
Bromide. Keep patient gently narcotized during sev¬ 
eral hours if necessary. Give Atropine Sulphate ( 1/120 
to 1/60 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or 
Tr. Belladonna in 20 drop doses every y to 2 hours. 

^Inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (3 or 5 minim pearl crushed 


OPIUM, LAUDANUM, ETC. 


185 


/ 


in handkerchief and inhaled, using one every io to 15 
minutes if necessary), Curare (in 1/20 to 1/6 grain 
doses hypodermically), Calabar Bean (in form of Phy- 
sostigmine Sulphate, 1 /100 to 1 /50 grain every ^ to 2 
hours), Paraldehyde to 1 teaspoonful in sweetened 
water every ^ to 2 hours) and Urethane (in 5 to 30 
grain doses in water every ^ to 1 hour) also highly 
recommended. Strong tea relieves thirst. 

Important! For threatened death from em¬ 
barrassed respiration, should promptly resort to 
artificial respiration (rhythmically raise and lower 
arms from extended position at sides to up over 
head and back again, 20 times a minute), if possible. 

# 

OPIUM — LAUDANUM — CODEINE—MOR¬ 
PHINE, HEROIN — NARCEINE — POP¬ 
PY— LACTUCARIUM—DIONIN—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Poisoning has resulted from an infusion or decoc¬ 
tion of seeds, capsules or leaves of the poppy, also 
the blossoms and fruit of the red poppy, also from 
the official and other preparations of Opium. Poison¬ 
ing has resulted from enemata, lotions, poultices, 
and suppositories containing Opium or its prepara¬ 
tions. Children are very susceptible to Opium and 
its preparations. “Godfrey’s Cordial,” “Dalby’s 
Carminative,” “Battley’s Solution” and “Black 
Drop” may be classed under Opium and its prepa¬ 
rations. Opium is quite often employed for the 
commission of suicide, also of murder. 

Fatal dose: 4 grains is the smallest fatal dose of 
Opium recorded, but 360 grains have been recov¬ 
ered from ; Laudanum, 1 drachm ; Extract of Opium, 
2^/2 grains (equal to 5 grains of Opium) ; Morphine 
from 1 to 4 grains. Fatal results from 1/6 to of 
a grain of Morphine subcutaneously. Recovery 
from even 4 or 5 ounces of Laudanum; also from 
2 drachms of Morphine. Infants have died from 
such small doses as 1/90, 1/15 and ^ of a grain of 
Opium, or 2 or 3 drops of Laudanum; 1 drop equiv- 


186 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


alent to about 1/12 grain of Opium, killed an infant 
7 days old; 2 grains of Morphine Acetate subcutane¬ 
ously injected in a man with rabies produced but 
little effect. Tetanus, Strychnine, convulsions, great 
pain, or Opium habit, make nervous system very toler¬ 
ant of Opium. De Quincey used 9 ounces of Laudanum 
daily (equal to 360 grains of solid Opium). Death has 
occurred from Morphine applied to an abraded surface. 

In Opium poisoning, death usually occurs in from 
7 to 12 hours. Shortest period recorded is J 4 of an 
hour; the longest 4 days. If patient survives 12 
hours, chances of recovery are good. Patient con¬ 
sidered comparatively safe when respirations stay 
above 10 per minute. 

The symptoms of Morphine poisoning appear in 
from 34 to 1 hour, and a fatal result may occur in 

of an hour, but as a rule not until 6 to 24 hours 
after the poison was taken. 

Opium makes whites and Chinese sleepy ; said to 
cause homicidal mania in Japanese and Malays. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Mental excitement; increased heart action; head¬ 
ache; weariness; weight in limbs; drowsiness; di¬ 
minished sensibility, then deep sleep; contracted 
pupils (perhaps to a pin point) ; then face becomes 
reddened, suffused, or bluish; consciousness en¬ 
tirely lost; at first difficult, later impossible, to 
arouse patient; reflexes lost; jaw falls; cyanosis; 
respiration stertorous and puffing, shallow, slow, 
difficult, irregular; muscular relaxation; cold, 
clammy sweat; pulse rapid, weak, compressible; 
coma; death. Early vomiting and free perspiration 
are favorable symptoms. Prognosis is less favorable 
the more strongly the pupils are contracted. A 
small fatal dose usually produces narcosis, but a 
very large one often causes severe convulsions. 

[In conjunction with the preceding symptoms in¬ 
vestigate the history of the case; notice the odor 
of the breath and of the vomited matter, and ex¬ 
amine the urine for Morphine. Remember Alco¬ 
hol and Opium in some form frequently are taken 


187 


OPIUM, LAUDANUM, ETC. 

together. See if pupils are normal or dilated and 
conjunctiva congested as occurs in alcoholism, or 
if the pupils are contracted and insensible to light 
as occurs in Opium poisoning, or unequal as in apo¬ 
plexy. In apoplexy, paralysis of facial muscles or 
limbs and the cardiac and vascular condition aids 
in the diagnosis. In Chloroform or Ether poison¬ 
ing the vomited matter or breath usually reveals the 
poison by the odor; and in poisoning by drinking 
Chloroform is death-like aspect of face and widely 
dilated pupils. In uraemic poisoning, the history of 
the case, examination of the urine and equal pu¬ 
pils (dilated or normal, with puffy eyelids), indicate 
the poisoning. In diabetic coma, the characteristic 
apple or pear odor may be detected on the breath, 
and sugar found in the urine.] Differentiate from 
hemorrhage into pons with contracted pupils. 

TREATMENT: 

Immediately resort to artificial respiration and 
stimulation in the most urgent cases. (See p. 89.) 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains, or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful, every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (i/io 
grain, every 15 minutes until effective), if narcosis 
has not set in. After emetic, give water to em 
courage vomiting. Thoroughly wash out stomach. 
(Morphine given hypodermically, enters stomach) 

While syphoning the stomach, or when giving 
ometic, or even before, give Potassium Perman¬ 
ganate (10 grains in a pint of water, repeated in 1/2 
hour; or as much as of Morphine taken, and re¬ 
peat every 3/2 hour 3 or 4 times), to oxidize the poi- 


188 


. A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


son. This drug has seemingly proved effective even 
when Morphine had teen taken hypodermically. It 
is said that 6 grains of the Permanganate will neu¬ 
tralize an ounce of Laudanum. It has been pro¬ 
posed to add 2 teaspoonfuls of Dilute Acetic Acid or 
of White Vinegar to the antidote to change the Mor¬ 
phine into a soluble salt. Irrigate colon, high up. 

The hypodermic injection of Potassium Per® 
manganate solution is believed to have proved bene¬ 
ficial in some cases. (Inject 15 minims of a grain 
to the y 2 ounce solution every 15 minutes.) 

When Potassium Permanganate has been intro¬ 
duced into the stomach in treatment, it should after¬ 
wards be removed by syphon or emetic. If Potas¬ 
sium Permanganate is not at hand, give Tannic 
Acid (30 grains in a wineglassful of water), or Gal¬ 
lic Acid (the same amount), or copious draughts of 
strong tea, to make all the alkaloids insoluble. Ani¬ 
mal Charcoal (a tablespoonful or more, preferably 
dry) may be given to precipitate or absorb the alka¬ 
loids. When the stomach has been evacuated well in¬ 
troduce a pint of hot, strong coffee and leave it there. 

2. Administer Atropine Sulphate, hypodermic¬ 
ally (1/120 to 1/90 grain every 15 minutes, 3 times, or 
until respirations number 8 per minute), or Tincture 
of Belladonna by mouth or hypodermically (10 to 
20 drops in water every 15 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 
times). It is said that 1/20 grain of Atropine will 
antagonize 1 grain of Morphine, and 2 to 3 drachms 
of Laudanum. Atropine or Belladonna should be 
given very cautiously in this kind of poisoning 
and not until the pupils dilate (therefore noc de¬ 
pending upon such effect as a guide), lest poison¬ 
ing by either result.—guide is better respirations. 

3. Arouse patient with inhalations of Ammonia 
Water or smelling salts cautiously employed. 

4. The patient should be further aroused and 
kept awake by means of shaking, pinching, slapping 
with a wet towel, dashing cold water on face and 
chest, or alternate hot and cold, over his head from 
a height frequently repeated, drying patient in the 


OPIUM, LAUDANUM, ETC. 


189 


intervals. Avoid applying so much cold water as to 
cause collapse. Alternately hot water and ice tc die 
nape of the neck helps. Walking between attendants 
often helps to arouse and stimulates lagging circula¬ 
tion, but avoid walking patient so much as to use 
up vitality. Arouses to flagellate soles of feet. 

Tincture of Capsicum (i to 2 tablespoonfuls in 
water) by rectal injection sometimes almost instantly 
relieves the stupor. Lemon or Orange Juice, or 
Cream of Tartar in water, every 10 minutes, antag¬ 
onizes the narcotism. Avoid vinegar and Acetic Acid. 

5. Oxygen inhalations are frequently of great 
value; also faradization of chest muscles (anode 
placed over root of phrenic nerve, cathode 3 inches 
below ensiform cartilage), or of the extremities. 

6. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every % to 2 hours), or Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypo¬ 
dermically, every % to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 
grain hypodermically every % to 1 hour). Caffein 
Citrate (1 to 4 grains every % to 1 hour), and in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every % to 1 hour if necessary), are highly recom¬ 
mended for the same purposes. Plenty of strong 
coffee may well be given frequently by mouth, but 
an enema of a pint, introduced hot, is often very 
beneficial. (Although Brandy,Whisky, Ether or Cam¬ 
phor hypodermically are sometimes resorted to for 
failing circulation and respiration, as a rule it is bet¬ 
ter to avoid their use, owing to their effects upon 
the brain, etc.) May use Cocaine(^( gr. hypoderm.) 

7. Give Sweet Spirit of Nitre (1 teaspoonful in a 
wineglassful of water every hour) to aid elimina¬ 
tion of the poison by the kidneys. Evacuate the 
bladder frequently to prevent reabsorption of the 
poison. Pilocarpine aids elimination. 

S. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated 


190 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


applied to feet and sides of body), to maintain bodily 
temperature. Employ: friction, heart massage. 

9. Resort to artificial respiration (raise extended 
arms from sides to up over the head and back again 
18 times a minute) if breathing stops or becomes 
very labored. Should be kept up for 2 hours if in 
doubt. Normal salt solution, may help. (See p. 118.) 

PARALDEHYDE. 

HISTORY: 

Has been recommended as a substitute for 
Chloral. Odor of drug in breath and urine. 

Fatal dose: I drachm has produced serious symp¬ 
toms. Recovery from 3T2 ounces. Unconscious¬ 
ness may last for more than 30 hours. Death by 
paralysis of respiratory centres. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Slight stimulation ; excited ; incoherent; muscular 
relaxation ; rapid pulse; pupils contracted and in¬ 
sensible to light; insensibility; collapse. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If 
a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains, or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful, every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Give Atropine (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 1 hour, 2 or ^ times), or Tincture of 


PETROLEUM—ROCK OIL, ETC 


191 


Belladonna (io to 15 drops every to 1 hour, for 
2 or 3 doses), or Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 
grain doses hypodermically every ^ to 2 hours). 
Employ electric battery if necessary. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body). 

4. Oxygen. If required, artificial respiration. 

PETROLEUM (CRUDE MINERAL OIL OR 
ROCK OIL) — PARAFFIN OILS — KERO¬ 
SENE (MINERAL OIL, COAL OIL)— 
GASOLINE (PETROL —BENZINE) — 
NAPHTHA—RHIGOLENE—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Petroleum or the products of its distillation have 
been drunk accidentally for ginger beer and other 
beverages with serious results. 3 ounces of Naph¬ 
tha (the kind usually burned in lamps) * killed a boy 
12 years of age. Recovery after swallowing a pint 
of Petroleum and pint of Kerosene. Poisoning 
easily recognized from smell of breath and vomited 
matters. The prognosis is good. 

[The inhaling of Gasoline fumes or gases of its com¬ 
bustion, particularly in an enclosed space such as a 
garage, has proved very dangerous and sometimes sud¬ 
denly fatal, through the production, it is claimed, of 
Carbon Monoxide, Methane, acetylene, etc. The free 
use of Gasoline as a wash may cause dysphagia, head¬ 
ache, cyanosis, coma, perhaps death; mania may occur 
during a recovery. Treat these forms of Gasoline 
poisoning as in poisoning by Carbon Monoxide, but 
stimulate cautiously.] 

SYMPTOMS: 

When kerosene or gasoline swallowed: Severe 
burning in mouth and stomach; vomiting; stools 
covered with oily layer; cold skin; feeble pulse; 
sighing respiration; pale, anxious face; great thirst 
and restlessness at night; unconsciousness. 

If gasoline inhaled: Giddiness, feeling as if con¬ 
traction of head, headache followed by partial or 



192 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


complete insensibility, flushing or facial cyanosis; 
a maniacal tendency while returning to conscious¬ 
ness. Facial cyanosis greater from inhaling vapor 
of raw or unburned gasoline than from fumes or 
gases of imperfectly consumed, carbonized gasoline. 

TREATMENT: 

1. If poison inhaled: Place patient in fresh air. If 
swallowed: Evacuate the stomach: Syphon out the 
stomach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If a stomach-tube is not at hand, give an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains, or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful. every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or )/\ teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 grain hypodermically every to 2 
hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain 
hypodermically every ^4 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Belladonna (20 drops in water every ]/ 2 to 2 hours). 
Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or 
half as much hypodermically, every y 2 to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically every 

to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 
y to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 
5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, 
using one every J4 to 1 hour if necessary), may be 
used for the same purposes. Draughts of strong 
coffee may also be given, and friction of the skin 
resorted to. 


PHOSPHORUS—“RATSBANE,” ETC 


193 


3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

4. Resort to artificial respiration (raise extended 
arms from sides to up over head and back again 
18 times a minute), if breathing stops or becomes 
very labored. Should be kept up for 2 hours if in 
doubt. 

5. When Swallowed.—If pain is severe, give 
Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 or 2 grains every y 2 
to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every ]/ 2 to 2 
hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel by rec¬ 
tum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate grain 
by mouth, or hypodermically, every ^ to 2 hours), 
to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

PHENACETIN. PHENOLS. 

(See Acetanilid). (Acid Carbolic, etc.) 

PHOSPHORUS—“RATSBANE”—“RAT 
POISON”—MATCHES. 

HISTORY: 

Yellow (common) Phosphorus is poisonous, lum¬ 
inous, and evolves a strong odor. Red Phosphorus 
is not poisonous, not luminous, and almost odorless. 
The former is used in rat-poison and both kinds for 
the ends of matches. Old style matches are tipped 
with Yellow (waxy) Phosphorus mixed with Potassium 
Chlorate, sand, and glue. “Safety” matches are 
tipped only with Potassium Chlorate and Antimony 
Sulphide; Red Phosphorus and sizing on the contain¬ 
ing box, for lighting. The ordinary Phosphorus rat- 
paste consists of Phosphorus, fat and sugar; some 
also contain Prussian blue as a coloring matter; 
others contain Arsenic as well as Phosphorus, and 
a common rat-paste is said to have ground glass for 
one of its constituents. Some vermin killers con¬ 
tain Strychnine. 

Fatal dose: i i y 2 grains of Phosphorus; 1/9 
grain has caused death. The chewing of two 


194 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


matches killed a child. Recovery after suck¬ 
ing 300 matches. 1/50 grain of Phosphorus killed 
a child; i ]/ 2 grains killed a man, and yg grain, a 
woman, inside of 12 hours. A child recovered after 
swallowing a drachm of rat-poison. Death occurs 
in from y 2 hour to 12 days; usually between the 
third and seventh days. Recovery is rare. Death 
results from failure of circulation and respiration. 
Death frequently takes place suddenly. Phospho¬ 
rus is more likely to cause death if finely divided or 
in solution than if taken in solid form. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The symptoms may appear in an hour or not until 
3 or 4 days after the poison has been taken. 

Breath smells of Phosphorus—is garlicky; Phos¬ 
phorus or garlic taste in mouth; eructation of Phos¬ 
phorus vapors and may be Phosphorus odor in 
breath; burning pain in esophagus, stomach and ab¬ 
domen; inflammation of stomach and intestines; 
mucus, bile and blood vomited and are luminous in 
the dark; there may be purging or constipation; 
may be bloody, coffee-grounds vomit with suppres¬ 
sion of bile; jaundice, perhaps with nettle-rash; 
pain in region of and liver enlarged; pupils usually 
dilated; temperature low; abdomen distended; 
twitchings; headache; vertigo; delirium; tendency 
to hemorrhage; albuminous, scanty urine; convul¬ 
sions; coma; pseudo-menstrual discharge, abortion 
or miscarriage in women. The general symptoms 
are similar to yellow atrophy of the liver. (De¬ 
generation of liver and kidneys may finally result 
and ultimately cause death.) 

TREATMENT: 

Avoid ordinary oils and fats and substances con¬ 
taining them, such as milk, as they increase solution 
and absorption of the Phosphorus. Liquid petro¬ 
latum has been given successfully on account of its 
being physiologically inert, as it envelops the 
poison and delays its absorption. It should be fol¬ 
lowed by lavage, in which this oil may also be used. 
There is no known chemical antidote. 


PHOSPHORUS—“RATSBANE,” ETC. 


195 


1. Evacuate the stomach by syphoning it out with 
a stomach-tube, using also, if possible, water, into 
which a teaspoonful of old Oil of Turpentine has 
been put. Wash thoroughly. If a stomach-tube is 
not at hand, may use a stomach-pump or give an 
emetic of Copper Sulphate (3 or 5 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water every 5 to 10 minutes until vom¬ 
iting results). Then continue the Copper Sulphate in 
1 grain doses every 15 minutes for 2 or 3 more doses. 
Copper Sulphate is the best emetic, inasmuch as it 
is believed to have some antidotal action by forming 
a less soluble phosphide; it is supposed to coat the 
particles of Phosphorus, primarily with a layer of 
Copper Phosphide, secondarily with Copper itself, 
thus preventing the solution of the Phosphorus par¬ 
ticles in the stomach fluids. 

If Sulphate of Copper is not at hand, use Zinc 
Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water), 
or Mustard (a tablespoonful to 2 of water), may be 
given. [Recto-colonic irrigation later on.] 

2. Give without delay old, resinified Oil of Tur¬ 
pentine, or better still, French Oil of Turpentine 
(3d> teaspoonful or more, floated on hot water or in 
capsules, and repeat 3 or 4 times, at 15 to 30 minute 
intervals. Avoid oil, soup, milk, white of egg or 
other albuminous substances; also avoid mucilagi¬ 
nous or alcoholic drinks. If it cannot be determined 
what quantity of Phosphorus has been taken, the old 
or French Oil of Turpentine may be given in 4 doses 
of Y* teaspoonful at 15 minute intervals. If the 
stomach will not retain the Turpentine, it has been 
recommended that it be injected into the rectum, 
atomized into the lungs, the air of the room satur¬ 
ated with its fumes, or that it be rubbed into the skin 
in the form of a liniment. The French Oil of Tur¬ 
pentine is quite soluble in Ether and Alcohol. Tur¬ 
pentine (old) forms with Phosphorus an almost insolu¬ 
ble mass, the so-called Turpentine-phosphoric Acid. 
(100 times as much Turpentine should be given as 
there was Phosphorus taken.) It should be given 
in hot water or alone (floated on the water or in cap¬ 
sules) immediately after the Phosphorus has been 
taken or as soon thereafter as possible. It is con¬ 
sidered valueless if not given within T2 hours after. 


196 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Potassium Permanganate recommended (4 gr. 
in an ounce of water, frequently, or several pints of 
the same strength used to wash out stomach). Or 1 to 
3$ Hydrogen Peroxide solution may be used instead. 

Lime Water freely, or Charcoal (a teaspoonfui 
mixed in a small cupful of water) may be given to 
prevent action upon the tissues. If nothing else is 
at hand, some recommend giving Gum Arabic or 
Tragacanth in water to protect the stomach. 

3. If the Turpentine given does not freely purge, 
give Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt, 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls in water or Infusion of Senna, Sweet Spirit of 
Nitre (a teaspoonful in water) or more old Turpen¬ 
tine (in y 2 drachm doses in mucilage every y 2 hr.). 

If the bladder is inactive use a catheter frequently. 

4. Give Opium to counteract the pain and the 
cardiac and systemic depression. Powdered Opium 
(1 to 2 grains every p2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum 
(10 to 20 drops every y 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 
teaspoonful in gruel by rectum as frequently), ot 
Morphine Sulphate (f 4 grain by mouth or hypoder¬ 
mically every ^ to 2 hours). 

5. Transfusion may be necessary to repair the 
blood. Inhalations of highly diluted Turpentine 
vapor are beneficial; also of pure oxygen. Hydro¬ 
gen Peroxide, given in solution or injected subcu¬ 
taneously, has been highly recommended. 

6 . Magnesia, Milk of Magnesia, Chalk, or Lime 
suspended in gruel have been recommended. After 
acute symptoms over, give Sodium Carbonate freely for 
acid intoxication. Apply heat to feet and body. 

PHYTOLACCA (POKE: “Berry,” “Root,” and 
“Weed.” Garget; Pigeon Berry; Crow Berry; 
Cancer Root; Red Weed; Red Ink Plant, etc.). 

SYMPTOMS: 

Nausea; vomiting; slowing of heart and respira¬ 
tion ; depression ; dyspnea; palpitation. 


PHYTOLACCA 


197 


TREATMENT: 

1. Vomiting and purging are frequently pro¬ 
duced by the poison, but syphoning out the stom¬ 
ach with stomach-tube and much water is desir¬ 
able. If evacuation does not occur, give Apomor* 
phine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (i/io grain 
every io or 15 minutes until effective), or Mustard 
(a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water). 

2. Stimulate. Give Brandy or Whisky (2 tea¬ 
spoonful doses by mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
Y\ teaspoonful doses hypodermically as frequently), 
or Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in 
water every 10 to 15 minutes), or Compound Spirit 
of Ether ()4 to 2 drachm doses in water every 10 to 
20 minutes). Support heart with Tincture of Digi¬ 
talis (10 to 20 drops in water every to 2 hours), 
or Digitalin (1/100 to 1/50 grain doses hypoderm¬ 
ically every *4 to 2 hours). 

3. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
^ to 2 hours by mouth, or teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate ()4 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

POTASSIUM CHLORATE—Chlorates— 

Nitrates. 

HISTORY: 

Fatal dose: from jd ounce upward, in to 12 days. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Poisonous doses interfere with the oxygenation 
of the blood corpuscles and produce toxic haema- 
globinuria. Evidences of severe irritation of the 
alimentary canal and of the nervous system ; severe 
dyspnoea; cyanosis; the skin usually jaundiced; 
delirium; coma. Acute tubal nephritis is pro¬ 
duced ; the excretion increased, but its chemica^ 
reaction unchanged. ✓ 


198 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stom¬ 
ach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. 
If a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, 
such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacu¬ 
anha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After emetic, give plenty of lukewarm water. Pilo¬ 
carpine cautiously, favors salivary excretion. 

2. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, gelatin, flour 
and water, barley or starch water, oatmeal gruel, 
or even crushed bananas) to soothe and protect 
the irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body) to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, I to 2 grains 
every y 2 to 2 hours; or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
V2 to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate 
04 grain by mouth, or hypodermically every y 2 
to 2 hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

Employ inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 
minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, 
using one every y to 1 hour if necessary). 

Avoid stimulants, or anything likely to increase 
the congestion of the kidneys, if severe. 

PRECIPITATE, RED OR WHITE. 

(See Mercury). 

PROTEINS (Poisoning: As food p. 224a. By inhala¬ 
tion p. 148c). 


PTOMAINES. 


199 


PTOMAINS (PUTREFACTIVE, CADAVERIC 
OR ANIMAL ALKALOIDS). 

HISTORY: 

Ptomains are alkaloidal or basic products of the 
putrid decomposition of animal or vegetable matter. 
Many of the Ptomains respond to most of the ordi¬ 
nary reactions of the vegetable alkaloids, thus lead¬ 
ing to confusion or error in toxicological investiga¬ 
tions. Not all Ptomains are poisonous, and quite 
often that which is called Ptomain-poisoning is 
really due to a mixture of substances containing no 
recognized causative Ptomain. Frequently such poi¬ 
soning is an auto-intoxication (q. v.). 

The reactions of certain Ptomains duplicate the 
actions of the following alkaloids: Atropine, Colchi¬ 
cine, Coniine, Delphinine, Digitalin, Nicotine, 
Strychnine and Veratrine. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The substances which produce symptoms very 
much like those of Atropine are called Ptomatro- 
pines. They have been found in corned beef, poi¬ 
sonous sausage, decaying fish, and putrid game. 
They cause dryness of the mouth, great thirst, red 
and swollen gums, dilated pupils, drooping eyelids; 
occasionally loss of voice, great weakness; there 
may be chills, vomiting, diarrhoea, offensive, dark- 
colored stools, temperature ioi to 104, convulsions, 
almost a palsy; even death, from paralysis of the 
heart. Post mortem examinations may show con¬ 
gestion of brain, lungs and kidneys; etc. 

Oily, alkaline, volatile substances resembling 
Coniine in their reactions have been discovered in 
decomposing animal tissues. 

The reactions and physiological effects of certain 
ptomains from corn meal are somewhat similar to 
those of Strychnine. 

Digitalin-like substances have been discovered in 
liver sausage. 


200 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


A substance giving most of the reactions of Col¬ 
chicine has been found in beer. 

Poisons formed during putrefaction, etc. 

* Tyrotoxicon is said by some to be a poisonous 
proteid allied to the tetanus and diphtheria toxins; 
It is found, at times, in stale milk, cheese, ice-cream 
and certain milk products. 

Tyrotoxicon produces vomiting, purging, rapid 
pulse, dilated pupils, hurried breathing, depression 
of temperature, prostration, and death. 

Typhotoxine —a substance produced by the Eb- 
erth bacillus of typhoid fever, kills mice and guinea 
pigs in a day or two. 

Mydaleine, found in decaying cadaveric liver, 
spleen, etc., causes increase in temperature when 
hypodermically administered. 

Neurine, found in decomposing animal tissue, acts 
similar to Curare. 

Cancroin is believed to be similar to Neurine and 
the active agent in producing cancer. Susotoxine, 
Choline, Methylguanidine. Isoamylamine. Patoa- 
mine, Trimethylenediamine, Ethylidenediamine, 
etc., also cause more or less serious symptoms or 
death. 

TREATMENT: 

Treat as in Food, Poisonous (q. v.). 

PULSATILLA. 

HISTORY: 

Death by paralysis of heart. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Reduced heart action, respiration, and tempera¬ 
ture; pupils dilated; motion and sensation para¬ 
lyzed. 

TREATMENT: 

i. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If the 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such as 
Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 


PULSATILLA. 


201 


water, repeated in io to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of luke-warm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

Give Tannic Acid (in 10 to 20 grain doses). 

2. Stimulate. Give Brandy or Whisky (2 tea¬ 
spoonful doses by mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
Ya teaspoonful doses hypodermically as frequently), 
and Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 20 drops by mouth, 
or half as much hypodermically, every y 2 to 2 
hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every % to 1 hour). 

3. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every y 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum, 20 drops every 
Y to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (Y 
grain by mouth or hypodermically, every y to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and tenesmus. 

RABIES VIRUS, Rabic Poison—[Infection (Poison¬ 
ing) by Saliva—(“Mad-dog-bite,” etc.)].— 

[ Rabies (Hydrophobia) ], 

HISTORY: 

Rabies (hydrophobia) may result from bite or other 
salivary infection by dog, cat, wolf, fox, horse, cow, 
hog, skunk, deer, human being, or other warm¬ 
blooded animal; also by laboratorial inoculation. 

Certain spherical and oblong bodies called Negri 
bodies are found only in the brain cells of animals 
which have died from hydrophobia, or have been killed 
during its course in them. Microscopical recognition of 
the presence of these bodies determines the condition 
was that of rabies. If a portion of such brain be in¬ 
jected into the brain of another animal the latter will 
develop rabies and die of it. 


202 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Rabies is declared to be quite common in Russia, 
France, Belgium, Turkey and Italy; rigid quaran¬ 
tine, muzzling, and other precautions in Australia, 
Canada, England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, 
etc., make its occurrence there infrequent. 

It is claimed that about 16 per cent of the persons 
bitten by rabid animals develop rabies, if not given the 
Pasteur anti-rabic treatment, i.e., injections of anti- 
rabic virus (virus vaccine, rabies vaccine) ; and that 
the employment of the Pasteur treatment has reduced 
this percentage to one-half of one per cent. It is evi¬ 
dent that this percentage might be reduced still further 
by early injections of anti-rabic virus administered to 
all persons bitten by, or in any way possibly infected, 
i.e., poisoned with the perhaps rabic virus of an animal 
suspected of being rabid. It is obvious also, that the 
prevalence of rabies, in general, might be almost elim¬ 
inated, by similar treatment of bitten animals; or better 
still, by the immunization of all dogs, and perhaps of 
other domestic animals. 

Rabies is quite prevalent in the United States, and 
definite medical knowledge of suitable palliative meas¬ 
ures, in rabies, is insufficient. There is great need of 
wide publication of the measures which should be em¬ 
ployed in suspected or known infection, and of the 
fact that they must be employed early, before the ap¬ 
pearance of the symptoms in order to be salutary; also 
information as to effective, preventive, or immune 
measures against infection. It should be common 
knowledge, especially that rabies vaccine should be 
given, by injection, in all cases of suspected or at all 
probable infection. 

Rabic bites through thick clothing may be harmless. 
Rabic bites near large nerve trunks, or where there are 
many small nerves, are among the most serious 
ones; also those about the neck, face or head, owing 
to proximity to the brain—as the infection travels 
along the nerve routes to the cord and brain. 

Great care should be exercised in handling sick dogs 
or cats as rabies might be present and a bite or a scratch 
prove fatal. Rabic saliva falling upon cuts, tears, cracks 


RABIES VIRUS 


ma 


or abrasions of the skin—scratches, hang-nails, chafed 
surfaces, etc.,—may infect. 

The incubation or developing period in man or other 
animal, when infected, is from two weeks to a year; as 
a rule from about three weeks to two months. It may 
be hastened or delayed according to the facility or dif¬ 
ficulty with which the infecting, poisoning virus was 
introduced; also by the quantity, location, etc., in intro¬ 
duction. Not all of those bitten by rabid animals de- 



Rabies (Incipient) 

(Case and Photo. Dept, of Health, City of New York) 


velop rabies, although not treated after being bitten. 
Harvey and Acton state, and Cruickshank and Wright 
agree, that: “The saliva of a rabid dog need not neces¬ 
sarily be infective, need not necessarily contain the virus 
at all.” But it is best to be on the safe side—“safety 
first”—and to exercise due precaution by employing 
the Pasteur treatment early. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Dogs infected by a rabid animal, unless immunized, 
usually show signs of the infection in two weeks or 
possibly less ; sometimes not for many weeks or months. 
The infected dog should be placed under observation 







mb 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


for seven to ten days and promptly and well immunized, 
if seen soon after being bitten. The poison may be 
communicated by the saliva of an infected animal at 
any time during the course of the rabic symptoms and 
for two or three days before their onset. 

If a susceptible bitten animal develops rabic symp¬ 
toms, he should be killed and search made for the 
Negri bodies, and animal inoculation tests also employed 
if necessary (see also pages 202h and 202i). 

A dog infected by rabic virus, usually shows first a 
noticeable change in disposition. It may become 
more affectionate than usual, like a sick child seek¬ 
ing comforting attention; or it may become sullen, dull, 
depressed, nervous, irritable and suspicious, and al¬ 
though previously good-natured, may become snappy, 
cross and easily excited. The eyes become red, and as 
a rule, the appetite is fickle or absent. 

As the disease progresses, the dog may develop 
either the furious type of rabies, or the paralytic or so- 
called “dumb,” or “sullen,” type. 

A dog sick with rabies may not act as mad dogs are 
commonly supposed always to act—i.e., he may show 
no violent symptoms; on the contrary he may be quiet 
and sleepy, without disposition either to bite or to run 
away; also weak, especially in the hind legs, with spasm 
of the throat muscles upon trying to swallow liquids. 
Quite often such dog crawls into a quiet, dark place 
and, with increasing weakness, dies in two to five days 
(“dumb rabies”). 

In furious rabies, or furious madness, the dog 
commonly leaves home and wanders aimlessly 
about, eating such strange substances as straw, rags, 
earth, excrement, wood, stones, etc. Usually there are 
illusions, delusions or hallucinations, and the animal 
springs at imaginary objects. It may have severe spasms 
of the throat with choking and vomiting, becoming 
more and more excited until finally it becomes 
furious and runs “amuck” with blood-shot eyes and 
the mouth dripping saliva. As a rule it runs in nearly a 
straight line, snapping and biting at all animals it 
encounters, even human beings. It may bite itself 


RABIES VIRUS 


202; 


and heedlessly chew its own legs. If not destroyed, 
it usually dies in a convulsion, or from weakness 
and a resultant paralysis, in 3 to 6 days from the 
onset of the symptoms. In this type of rabies a 
peculiar bark is comonly noted. The bark is hoarse 
and muffled; and a full bark is apt to be followed by 
five to eight weird, uncanny, unearthly, sinister, throaty 
howls, the mouth being kept party open after each howl. 



Furious Type of Rabies 

(Author’s illustration) 

It is claimed that once heard this sound is never for¬ 
gotten. However it,is said that the mad dog in biting 
and fighting furiously, rarely or never barks, but that in 
thus fighting, a non-rabid dog almost always barks. 

In the paralytic or dumb variety of rabies a short 
period of excitation is followed by severe spasms of 
the throat with perhaps choking. The animal is 
mostly tame, and voiceless; silent, quiet, gloomy, de¬ 
pressed and dull. Usually exhibits but little inclina¬ 
tion to stray or bite; the mouth, dripping saliva, is 
kept open, from paralysis of the lower jaw; the eyes 
are expressionless and staring. Increasing muscular 
















202 d 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


weakness and paralysis usually result in death by 
the fourth or fifth day. 

In the human being, commonly the first signs are 
tingling and pain at the site of the bite and extending 
towards the brain. The patient is excitable, talkative, 
with increase in his reflex responses. A current of air 
on the skin may cause exaggerated reflex response even 
a convulsion (Romberg’s sign). The voice often be¬ 
comes hoarse or croaking; there is increasing difficulty 



Paralytic Type of Rabies 

(Case and Photo. Dept, of Health, City of New York) 


in swallowing; convulsions and paralysis of legs, etc., 
commonly follow. 

There are two types of rabies in man: The furious 
and the paralytic. Usually in the furious type the 
disease develops rapidly. The person infected, feels 
smothered and gasps for breath; he has difficulty in 
swallowing, due to convulsive contraction of the throat 
muscles. The convulsive contractions soon extend more 
or less widely over the whole body. 

A sudden noise, strong draft of air, or flash of 
light may precipitate a convulsion. At intervals the 
patient becomes excited and may be actually 
maniacal. However, as a rule, clearness of mind is 




RABIES VIRUS 


202 <? 


not lost, and altho often panicky, in terror and in 
dread of the consequences, he maintains a certain de¬ 
gree of self-control and is not likely to attack those 
about him; but the poisonous and excessive salivary 
flow may easily infect others by coming in contact, with 
wounds, cracks or abrasions of their skin. 

The patient may die in a convulsion; but usually 
more or less of a paralytic condition develops and in 
three or four days from the onset of the disease he dies 
from cardiac or respiratory paralysis. 

Although the typical paralytic variety of the 
disease is unusual in man, it may occur from an in¬ 
tense infection. The convulsive features of the furi¬ 
ous type of the disease are then slight or absent; 
there is muscular tremor and increasing muscular 
debility, resulting in a general paralysis and death 
in from four to six days. 

TREATMENT: 

Prompt preventative measures should be employed in 
all suspicious cases. The wound should be well opened 
and evacuated ; then thoroughly cauterized with fuming 
nitric acid applied by the drop by drop method, and 
using a medicine dropper or a pointed glass rod: how¬ 
ever, at bony, cartilaginous or bloodless points, pure 
carbolic acid should be used, as it is less likely to pre¬ 
vent due healing; these measures should be followed by 
the employment of the Pasteur anti-rabic treatment. 

The cauterization should be very prompt. Author¬ 
ities differ as to how long, after a person has been in¬ 
fected, by bite or otherwise, cauterization is effective. 
Some claim only half an hour, others extend the time to 
48 hours. One, believes it should be done as late as 72 
hours. The poison or virus passes very slowly thru the 
nerve fibres towards the brain, from the original point 
of infection. In fact it is said to remain “for a num¬ 
ber of hours, localized in the nerve-fibres in the region 
of the wound.” Proper cauterization may so destroy 
the infected nerve fibres and connections as to prevent 
distribution as well as all local existence of the virus. 


202/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


If cauterization is rather late or even imperfect it may 
diminish the amount of poison sufficiently for the pa¬ 
tient to produce enough antagonists (antibodies) to 
counteract the otherwise unopposed or unaffected virus. 

If the bite inflicted by an apparently innocuous dog, 
or by any other animal which is susceptible to rabic in¬ 
fection, is seen within 24 hours after the bite, the 
wound should be freely evacuated. If a punctured 
wound, or one not well opened, it should be freely 
opened. It should be well squeezed to express any con¬ 
tained saliva or to make it bleed freely, thus cleansing 



Paralytic Type of Rabies 

(Case and Photo. Dept, of Health, City of New York) 

itself. It should then be thoroughly washed with cor¬ 
rosive sublimate solution (1 to 2,000), and dressed sub¬ 
ject to inspection. The animal should be placed under 
observation for a week. 

According to the circular of information of the De¬ 
partment of Health of the City of New York: 

“The Pasteur Treatment” [inoculating a person, already 
infected with rabic virus thru the saliva of a rabid animal, 
with an attenuated and prepared rabic virus, as an anti-rabic 
virus or rabies vaccine]* “is a preventive treatment against 


*N.B.: The bracketed statements are those of the author. 




RABIES VIRUS 


202 / 


rabies. It is not curative and is of no value after rabies has 
developed. The course consists of twenty-one daily injections 
of anti-rabic virus. This material (rabies vaccine) is a virus 
vaccine, not a serum. As it deteriorates rather rapidly, each 
dose is prepared daily and sent by special delivery mail.” 

“To save time, the treatment should be ordered by telegram 
addressed to the Assistant Director, Vaccine Laboratory, foot 
of East 16 th Street, New York City. The order should give 
the name and the age of the patient.” 

“Bites on the face, head or neck increase the dangers of infec¬ 
tion on account of the many nerves in these localities and the 
close proximity of the brain; the treatment in these cases is an 
intensive one. Such cases especially should not only begin 
treatment promptly but any irregularity in the course of injec¬ 
tions should be most carefully avoided. For this reason, we 
advise that severely bitten patients be sent, if possible, to 
New York City, or other place where the vaccine is prepared, in 
order to avoid any delays due to irregularities in the mail. 

In extremely severe face, head or neck bites, a second 
course of treatment is advised. This second course should 
be started, two weeks after the last dose of the first course. 

Cost.—The cost of one course of treatment sent by mail 
is $25.00. If the patient comes to New York and has the 
vaccine injected by one of the Department of Health phy¬ 
sicians, the cost is $50.00. Should the patient wish a 
private physician here in New York to give the injections, 
the cost is $25.00 for the vaccine and whatever charge his 
physician may make for attendance. 

Checks should be made payable to the City of New York 
Department of Health. 

Cauterization.—Prompt cauterization of the wound should 
not be neglected. The earlier it is done, the more effective 
it is. Fuming nitric acid is the best cautery and is helpful 
if used within 48 hours of the bite. The acid should be 
applied on the point of a tapered glass-rod or drop by drop 
from a capillary pipette, so that the amount may be care¬ 
fully controlled. Contact with bony, cartilaginous or blood¬ 
less parts should be avoided if possible. To these parts 
apply pure carbolic acid and the fuming nitric acid to the 
other tissues adjacent. Such tissues heal well after the use 
of nitric acid. 

The actual cautery is effective as far as it reaches the 
parts of a wound, but fuming nitric acid, being a fluid, 
reaches the deep crevices which the hot iron may not touch. 

The use of pure carbolic acid, iodine, silver, nitrate, etc., 
on wounds made by rabid animals have but little value as 
compared with fuming nitric acid. 

Do not suture wounds made by rabid animals. 


oro > 

/VV/ 'Kft' 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Anti-Rabic Treatment Should Be Given: 

To persons bitten by animals which have been proven 
rabid either by clinical symptoms, or by microscopic ex¬ 
amination of the brain. 

To persons whose hands or face have been contaminated 
with saliva of a rabid animal without being bitten. This 
is because of the possible presence of cracks, hang-nails or 
other small open wounds. 

To persons bitten by stray dogs which cannot be located. 
The treatment is given as a precautionary measure. 

To persons bitten, pending the laboratory diagnosis on the 
brain of the biting animal, provided that the symptoms or 
actions of the animal were suspicious. 

Routine to Be Followed in Regard to Biting Dog 

A dog which shows clinical symptoms suspicious of rabies 
should be killed at once and the brain sent to a laboratory 
for diagnosis. If an apparently normal dog bites anyone, 
it should be kept under observation for ten days to three 
weeks. The saliva of the dog may be infective on an 
average of three or four days before the animal shows 
clinical symptoms. [Dr. A. Silkman, Chief Veterinarian of the 
Department of Health of the City of New York, states that 
“it has recently been quite commonly accepted, among scientific 
observers, that it has been well demonstrated that rabic poison 
(rabies virus) does not appear in the saliva of a dog, infected 
with rabies virus, at an earlier date than two or three days 
before he manifests the first clinical symptoms of rabies. 
Therefore, a dog which has bitten a person (or under certain 
conditions, a susceptible animal) should be quarantined for a 
week under the observation of a skilled veterinarian; and if 
at the end of that time he has manifested no symptoms of 
rabies, it may be considered certain that his saliva did not 
contain the rabic poison at the time of the bite and that there¬ 
fore the bite could not have infected, and the dog may 
be released.”]* The longest time that a dog, with symp¬ 
toms of rabies lives, is, usually, five or six days. This 
period, added to the three or four days above makes a 
period of about nine or ten days, at least, during which the 
animal should be under close observation and confinement. 
Since, however, a prolonged incubation period may occur, 
it is safer to hold the animal for three weeks. Such ani¬ 
mals should not be killed too soon for the reason that a 
satisfactory laboratory examination of the brain cannot 
always be made in the early stages of the disease. The 
microscopic evidence of rabies (the Negri bodies) appears 
but little earlier than the clinical symptoms. When this 


*NB.: The bracketed statements in the foregoing are those of the author. 



RABIES VIRUS 


20 2 / 


evidence in the brain is lacking, a part of the brain must 
be injected into test animals. This test requires from two 
to four weeks for completion. [*See page 202*.] 

FACTS ABOUT RABIES.—Incidence.—About 16 per 
cent of the human beings develop rabies if not treated after 
a bite by a rabid animal. Antirabic treatment has reduced 
this figure to 0.5 per cent. 

Period of Incubation.—In human beings, the shortest 
known time is fourteen days, the longest, seven months 
(possibly one year). The average time is twenty to sixty 
days. The period of time depends on the quantity of virus 
introduced, the point bitten and the strength of the virus. 

Bites through several layers of clothing are not so dan¬ 
gerous as those on the bare skin. Since the infection 
travels along the nerve routes, bites about the face, head 
or neck are more serious because of their location near the 
brain and the many nerves present; so also bines involving 
the large nerve trunks. In such cases, the period of in¬ 
cubation is apt to be short. 

The saliva of a human being, who has developed rabies, 
is not so dangerous as that of the dog; neither is the saliva 
of a herbivorous animal so dangerous. Nevertheless, all 
the precautions as to cauterization and treatment should be 
taken if exposure has occurred. 

The period of incubation in a dog which has been infected 
is usually fourteen days or less. Since, however, this period 
is sometimes prolonged, the animal should be held in quar¬ 
antine at least six to twelve months. 

[More extended observations and increased knowledge have 
demonstrated that the incubation period for an infected dog is 
from two weeks to three months, but a dog bitten by a rabic 
animal may be released from quarantine within ten days, after 
the bite, if it shows no symptoms of rabies before that time, 
by promptly immunizing it by giving it 3 to 5 of the anti-rabic 
injections.]* 

Immunity.—The Pasteur treatment requires four to five 
weeks for the full development of immunity. Three weeks 
of this time are required for the injections. In a person 
who is taking the treatment, there is a contest of speed be¬ 
tween the passage of the virus from the wound to the 
brain, by way of the nerves, and the development of im¬ 
munity due to the absorption of the vaccine through the 
circulatory system. This immunity lasts, apparently, a 
variable length of time. 

The treatment is considered as having failed to protect 
only when the patient dies two weeks or more after the 
end of the course of injections. In those cases in which 


*N.B,: The bracketed statements in the foregoing are those of the author, 



my 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


death occurs within the two week period there may have 
been unusual susceptibilty or marked intensity of the in¬ 
fecting virus. Delay in starting treatment may be re¬ 
sponsible for a failure in protection.” 

[If the patient “has been bitten by a positively known 
rabid animal,” Drs. Silkman and Regan, of New York, favor 
a second series of injections after the expiration of six 
months; and it is recommended that “in cases of face-bites 
or very extensive wounds from a known rabid animal the 
course of treatment be repeated two weeks after the com¬ 
pletion of the first course,” * * * “to reenforce the immunity 
conferred by the first treatment.” 

The person under treatment should avoid excitement, 
severe exercise, exposure to wet and cold and all nervous 
disturbances.]* 



Vaccination of Dog (Preventing Rabies) 

(Author’s illustration) 


Recently, anti-rabic treatment of dogs, in order to 
make them immune to rabic infection, has been em¬ 
ployed, with seeming complete success, in some towns 
and cities. Dogs thus treated are tagged, allowed at 
large and not muzzled. The humanity and wisdom of 
this procedure will appeal to all friends of animals. 

In New York City, it is now the custom, based upon 
increasing experience and knowledge as to rabic infec- 


*N.B.: The bracketed statements in the foregoing are those of the author. 



RABIES VIRUS. 


202£ 


tion, to hold under observation for seven days, if alive, 
a dog, which has bitten a person or an animal. If no 
symptoms of rabies develop during that week it is 
recognized that the saliva of the dog was free from 
rabic poison at the time he bit the person or animal and 
it is so stated; it is also stated that at the present time 
he manifests no symptoms of rabies and therefore he 
is released from quarantine. Attention is also called to 
the fact that it is considered advisable to immunize all 
dogs against rabies, by giving them one anti-rabic vac¬ 
cine injection. If the dog died before it could be placed 
under skilled observation, or while under it, the brain 
is searched for Negri bodies, and if necessary inocula¬ 
tion tests are made also. 

If the owner is willing to go to the expense, a valu¬ 
able dog which has been bitten by a suspected-to-be- 
rabid, or by an evidently-rabid dog, may be treated by 
immunizing him against rabies, by giving him three to 
five anti-rabic injections, instead of the usual single one. 

A. Silkman, D.V.S., Chief Veterinarian of the De¬ 
partment of Health of the City of New York, sometime 
since asserted, in conjunction with the opinion of 
Joseph C. Regan, M.D., of the Kingston Ave. Hospital 
of the Department of Health, that: 

“Bites by stray dogs, when inflicted without provocation 
are considered suitable for anti-rabic treatment. The be¬ 
havior of the dog is the important point in the determina¬ 
tion of whether or not bitten persons should receive treat¬ 
ment. The animal should not be killed but be placed under 
the observation of a competent veterinary. However, if 
the circumstances of the bite are at all suspicious, the per¬ 
son bitten is placed under treatment without waiting for a 
veterinary or laboratory diagnosis. If the examination of 
the dog by a veterinary, or of the animal’s brain for Negri 
bodies, is negative the treatment is discontinued. If it 
proves positive, valuable time will not have been lost. Ex¬ 
amination of the brain for Negri bodies is not always con¬ 
clusive. Resort then must be had to animal inoculation 
of the suspected material; this process requires from ten 
days to two weeks, which delay might prove disastrous if 
the establishment of the diagnosis by this method was 
waited for.” 


202/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


PALLIATIVE TREATMENT IN HYDROPHOBIA: 

Give Chloroform (5 to 30 drops) in sugar and water. 
Give Morphine hypodermically ()4 grain every 1 to 3 
hours) until under influence. Rectal injections of 
Chloral up to 2 drams per day and with Potassium 
Bromide is recommended. Spray throat with 4 per cent 
solution of Cocaine. Hyoscine is helpful. 

Feed per rectum with nutritive enemas and sup¬ 
positories. Put patient in a dark room and keep quiet 
and warm. Exclude all draughts. Place patient in a 
restraining sheet and on a narrow bed if inclined to be 
violent. Nitrite of Amyl or Chloroform inhalations 
help. 

RAT PASTE—“ROUGH ON RATS”; ETC. 

(See Arsenic; also Barium and Phosphorus.) 

Feeding: 

If liquids can not be swallowed give such semi¬ 
solids as ice cream, custard, jelly, etc.; or resort to 
nutrient enamata. 


RESORCIN. 

HISTORY s 

Is used as an antipyretic and antiseptic. Very 
few cases of poisoning. 

Fatal dose: 2 drachms have nearly caused death. 

Death by paralysis of respiratory centres. 

SYMPTOMS : 

Dizziness; tingling sensation—“pins and needles”; 
severe perspiration; lips blanched; dry tongue; low 
temperature; normal pupils; black urine; clenched 
teeth; unconsciousness. 


RESORCIN. 


203 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water every 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated 
every 15 minutes until effective). While syphon¬ 
ing, or after giving the emetic, give plenty of luke¬ 
warm water containing Soda or Saccharated Lime. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
dose hypodermically as frequently), [Red Wine, 
used freely, is considered an excellent antidote], or 
with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in 
a little water every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoon¬ 
ful hypodermically as frequently) ; also with Strych¬ 
nine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 
to 1/60 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), 
or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every 

to 2 hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30, 
clrops by mouth, or half as much hypodermically, 
every ]/ 2 to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every 34 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate 
(1 to 4 grains every 34 to 1 hour), and inhalations 
of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a 
handkerchief and inhaled, using one every 34 to 1 
hcur if necessary), may be used for the same pur¬ 
poses. Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. 

3. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
oil, flaxseed or elm tea, barley, gum arabic or starch 
water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and water, or 
even crushed bananas), to soothe and protect the 
irritated or inflamed surfaces. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 


204 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Maintain recumbent posi¬ 
tion. 

Also employ friction and use an interrupted elec¬ 
tric current if necessary. 

RHUS—RHUS RADICANS, RHUS TOXICO¬ 
DENDRON (POISON VINE, POISON OAK, 
POISON IVY, POISON CREEPER, MER¬ 
CURY)— RHUS VENENATA (SWAMP- 
SUMACH, POISON-SUMACH)— POISON 
DOGWOOD (POISON ELDER) — SNOW 
ON THE MOUNTAIN—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Rhus often mistaken for the Virginia Creeper; 
but leaves of Creeper divided into 5 leaflets, leaves 
of Poison Ivy into three. Poison Ivy is a green vine 
climbing over walls and fences and hanging over 
rocks; sometimes is erect. In May and June has 
greenish-white flowers in loose clusters at junction 
of leaves and vine. Fruit: small, smooth, waxy, 
changed to reds, browns and yellows. Fruit of 
Poison Sumach is yellowish. Satinwood-dust poisons. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Itching; swelling; vesicular eruptions ; throat may 
be involved, causing cough; thirst; vomiting; col¬ 
icky pains, with fever and delirium. (Rhus poison¬ 
ing is due to an active principle, a non-volatile oil 
called toxicodendrol, contained in the pollen, hairs, 
etc.). Used internally, causes a species of intoxi¬ 
cation. 


TREATMENT: 

1. Wash well with hot soap suds, then apply a 
dilute—alcohol solution of Lead Acetate. A lotion of 
Fluid Extract of Grindelia Robusta (1 part, water 
10 to 48 parts), or of Sodium Hyposulphite, often 
relieves. For burning pain, etc., use a 5 per cent, 
aqueous solution of Cocaine, or of Phenol, or weak 
Ammonia Water, or a Sal Ammoniac solution (£ 


SANGUINARIA. 


205 


ounce to i pint of water) or iced, saturated solution 
of Sodium Bicarbonate, or the same of Boric Acid; 
or promptly sponge the part with Benzene, Chloro¬ 
form, Gasoline, Spirit of Camphor, or Formalde¬ 
hyde Sol., Phenol (weak sol.), or Potass. Permang., 
or Corrosive Sublimate, in a weak solution, or even 
lemonade. After blisters rupture, Lime Water, with 
or without milk, aids. An infusion of Lobelia (i oz. 
to water i pt.)> or Witch Hazel, or Alum Water, 
are useful; also Ichthyol, Aristol toilet powder, etc. 
Secondary applications are cold cream, vaseline, oil, 
etc., after neutralizing the poison. If fats or oils 
are used early, they spread the poison. Treatment of 
the dermatitis, caused by poison ivy or poison oak, by 
giving 3 to 5 intramuscular injections (each 3 to 5 
minims) of a weak solution of the active principle of 
the respective plant, at intervals of i to 3 days, seems 
to have been distinctly curative in some cases; and, by 
giving 4 such injections, at intervals of 3 or 4 days, 
then following them with a tincture of the respective 
plant, given by mouth in doses of 5 to 10 drops 3 times 
a day for a month, if well borne, seems to have estab¬ 
lished at least a temporary densitization or immuniza¬ 
tion in most persons thus treated. To prevent eruption 
after recognized exposure, apply wash of zinc sulph. 
(5 to 10 grs. to ounce of water, according to severity 
of exposure or irritation). 

2. Give Magnesium Sulphate (a tablespoonful). 

3 . Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains, 
or Morphine Sulphate, *4 grain, or Laudanum, 20 
drops; give every ^2 to 2 hours by mouth, or in gruel 
by rectum as frequently). Give simple diet. 

SANGUINARIA (BLOOD-ROOT). 

. > HISTORY: 

Death by paralysis of cardiac and respiratory 
centers. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Severe salivation; violent vomiting; severe purg¬ 
ing; faintness; vertigo; coldness; dilated pupils; re- 


200 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


duced temperature; slow pulse; great prostration; 
intense thirst; convulsions ; collapse. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is 
not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a 
small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not 
effective, or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 
30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 
10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or Apo- 
morphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving the emetic, give plenty of lukewarm 
water to encourage vomiting. 

Tannic Acid (in 20 gr. doses) is recommended. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or 54 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or 54 teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 
54 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 
grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every 34 to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or half as much hypodermically, every *4 to 
2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every 34 to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every 34 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 54 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. 

3. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every 54 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
54 to 2 hours by mouth or hypodermically every 54 
to 2 hours), to relieve local irritant action. 


SANTONIN. 


20 7 


SANTONIN. 

HISTORY: 

About 2 grains of Santonin killed a boy 5 y 2 years 
of age in 15 hours; flower heads equal to 30 grains 
of Santonin killed a girl 10 years old; i 7 / 10 grains 
has caused death of a child 5 years old in 15 hours. 

The maximum dose for children may be said to 
be 1 to 2 grains, and for adults about twice as much. 

Death by.asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Color vision is disturbed, objects first assuming 
a violet or bluish, then yellow tinge ; ringing in ears ; 
headache; dizziness; dilated pupils; sweating; weak 
pulse ; abdominal pain ; convulsions ; stupor. 

Santonin is excreted by the kidneys, coloring acid 
urine greenish-fellow, alkaline urine cherry-red or 
crimson. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach: syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such as 
Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, 
repeated in 10 to 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re; 
peated every 15 minutes until effective). After giv¬ 
ing emetic, give plenty of luke-warm water to en¬ 
courage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses by 
mouth every 10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently), or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a littre 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or V\ teaspoonful hy- 


208 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


podermically as frequently) ; also with Strychnine 
Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 
J 4 to 2 hours) and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 
grain hypodermically every ^ to 2 hours), or Tinc¬ 
ture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every 34 to 2 
hours). Tincture of Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by 
mouth, or as much hypodermicahy, every to 2 
hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain hypodermically 
every ^ to 1 hour), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains 
every *4 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite 
(a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handkerchief and 
inhaled, using one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), 
may be used for the same purpose. Draughts of 
strong coffee may also be given. Chloroform, or 
Chloral per rectum, for convulsions. 

SAVINE. 

HISTORY: 

The poison is recognized by its odor. There is no 
reliable chemical test. 

Usually poisoning by decoctions or infusion of 
Savine Leaves. Oil or Tincture of Savine may poi¬ 
son. Oil of Savine is present in the leaves to the 
amount of about 2 per cent.; 10 per cent, in the fruit. 

Death from Savine may occur within 12 hours or 
be delayed for 2 or 3 days. 

Death by collapse. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Pain in abdomen; vomiting; straining and bloody 
.stools; difficult respiration; convulsions; coma; col¬ 
lapse. Sometimes severe irritation of urinary organs, 
such as strangury and bloody urine; odor of "drug 
in urine; may be vomiting of blood anesthesia, uter¬ 
ine hemorrhage, and abortion. 

TREATMENT: 

I. If patient has not vomited freely, repeatedly 
syphon out the stomach with warm water, or give 
Apomorphine Hvdrochlorate, hypodermicallv (1/10 


SAVINE. 


209 


grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
Or if the throat is not much inflamed, may give an 
emetic of Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated every 10 to 15 minutes until it pro¬ 
duces vomiting), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecac¬ 
uanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until it acts). 

2. A dose of Castor Oil (an ounce, i. e., 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls), or of Magnesium Sulphate (an ounce, i. e., 
2 tablespoonfuls), should be given unless bowels have 
freely moved. Apply poultice, for abdominal pain. 

3. Give demulcents (such as white of egg, milk, 
arrowroot, oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, bar¬ 
ley or starch water, oatmeal gruel, gelatin, flour and 
water, or even crushed bananas), to soothe and pro¬ 
tect the irritated and inflamed surfaces. 

4. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or 54 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 
15 minutes, or 54 teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 
.1/20 grain hypodermically every 54 to 2 hours) and 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every 54 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every J 4 to 2 hours), or Tincture of 
Digitalis (15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every 54 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every 54 to 1 hour), or 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 54 t° 1 hour) and 
inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every 54 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for the 
same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee may also 
be given. Artificial respiration if required. 

c;. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, or 


210 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. Sometimes cold to head. 

6 . Give Opium (Powdered Opium, i to 2 grains) 
or Laudanum (20 drops by mouth, or p2 teaspoonful 
by rectum in gruel), or Morphine Sulphate {% grain 
by mouth or hypodermically) every ^2 to 2 hours), 
or Chloroform, Chloral, or Bromides, to relieve pain, 
nervous irritability, etc. 

SCHEELE’S GREEN. 

(See Arsenic). 

SCOPARIUS. SCORPION, ETC. 

(See Digitalis). (See Insects). 

SEWER GAS (CESSPOOL AND PRIVY 

EMANATIONS). 

HISTORY: 

As a rule the sewer gas and privy emanations 
consist of a mixture of Sulphuretted Hydrogen, Am¬ 
monium Sulphide and Nitrogen, but sometimes only 
of deoxidized air, with an excess of Carbonic Acid 
Gas. 

The poisonous vapors of cesspools consist of Car¬ 
bonic Acid, Sulphuretted Hydrogen and Nitrogen. 

Entrance of Sewer Gas into bed-rooms, or the ex¬ 
posure to the emanations of cesspools in cleaning 
them out, have produced fatal result. Emanations 
from open street gratings sometimes produce serious 
symptoms. Sewers, cesspools, privies, etc., should 
be well stirred to permit the escape of the contained 
gas before cleaning them out. It is well also to dis¬ 
infect them. 

SYMPTOMS: 

When the poison is concentrated, death may occur 
at once. If not concentrated, a few moments expos¬ 
ure may produce the following symptoms: Uncon¬ 
sciousness. which resists all attempts to relieve; lips 


SILVER COMPOUNDS. 


211 


livid; pupils dilated and not sensitive to light; eyes 
fixed and turned upwards; conjunctiva injected; 
countenance pallid, pink or purple; may be froth 
Issuing from the mouth. 

TREATMENT: 

No true antidote is known. 

If there is time to do anything, fresh air, stimula¬ 
tion with Ammonia to the nostrils, and Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia by mouth ( l / 2 to i teaspoonful 
in water every io to 20 minutes), and Brandy or 
Whisky (in teaspoonful doses by mouth, or half as 
much hypodermically, every 10 to 20 minutes), and 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypoder¬ 
mically every ^ to 2 hours) will help. Rest is bene¬ 
ficial. Transfusion of blood and the introducing of 
a normal salt solution into the veins have proven 
advantageous. Chlorine water or Dilute Hydro¬ 
chloric Acid and Potassium Chlorate internally, are 
recommended. 

Give Oxygen inhalations. Artificial respiration. 

SILVER COMPOUNDS (SILVER NITRATE, 
LUNAR CAUSTIC) — ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Nitrate of Silver turns black when contaminated 
with organic matters. It acts principally as a corro« 
sive poison when taken internally. Prolonged admin¬ 
istration of the Silver compounds produces a blue or 
gray-black indelible discoloration of the skin, begin¬ 
ning first around the nails and fingers. Acute poison¬ 
ing is rare; usually from accidentally swallowing a 
piece of Nitrate of Silver stick. 30 grs. has killed. 

Death commonly results from asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Pain; vomiting of a white cheesy matter, which in 
sunlight rapidly turns black; purging; cramps; diz¬ 
ziness; cardiac depression; respiratory disturbance; 
convulsions ; paralysis ; coma ; collapse. Chronic 
poisoning by Silver Iodid or Nitrate shown by blue 
skin. 


212 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

1. Give Sodium Chloride —common salt—(a table¬ 
spoonful of salt to the pint of water or even milk) 
freely, as the chemical antidote. It forms Sodium 
Nitrate, precipitates the Silver as the insoluble and 
harmless Chloride, and acts as an emetic. Ammonium 
Chloride may be used instead. 

2. Evacuate the stomach, syphoning it out with 
water containing a tablespoonful of salt to the pint. 
If the syphon is not at hand, give Mustard (a table¬ 
spoonful in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in io 
to 15 minutes if vomiting has not resulted), Quassia 
tea or other bitter infusion, or greasy water (is best 
to avoid Zinc Sulphate after salt), or Ipecacuanha 
(Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipe¬ 
cac, a teaspoonful every 15 minutes until it vomits), 
with much water. Follow with some more salt 
water. Salt is the best antidote, but white of egg 
and copious draughts of milk may be given with 
benefit, having some antidotal effect and serving as 
food until the stomach has recovered. 

3. Give demulcents (as white of egg, milk, oil, gum 
arabic, flaxseed or elm tea, barley or starch water, oat¬ 
meal, gelatin, flour and water, or even crushed bana¬ 
nas), to soothe and protect the irritated or inflamed 
surfaces. Give Tannin, also give alkalies. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every y> to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
y 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate ( l /\ 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every ^ to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

5. If necessary, stimulate heart, circulation, and 
respiration with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful 
doses every 10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit 
of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 
10 to 15 minutes, or y teaspoonful hypodermically 
as frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 
to 1/20 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), 


SNAKE VENOM 


213 


and Atropine. Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every ^ to 2 hours). Tincture of 
Digitalis 15 to 30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every / to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every % to 1 hour), or 
Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every J to 1 hour), and 
inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one ever)! 
J to 1 hour if necessary) may be used for same pur* 
poses. Diaughts of strong coffee may also be given, 
SNAKE VENOM [SNAKE BITE, 3 (The 
Bite of Various Poisonous Snakes.)] 

(See pp. 243-4.) 

HISTORY: 

The venom of the viper contains albumin, albu- 
moses and globulin, all poisonous. The venom o\ 
the cobra contains albumin, globulin and syntonin, all 
poisonous. One four-millionth of the body weight 
of cobra venom causes death. It is believed snake 
venom disintegrates human blood corpuscles. 

Death by paralysis of cardiac and respiratory centres 
usually inside of 12 hours. If death occurs in a few 
minutes, due to thrombosis; if, under 24 hours, by par¬ 
alysis of cardiac and respiratory centres; if after 
24 hours, by exhaustion or sepsis. In fatal cases the 
blood deteriorates and will not coagulate. 

Poisonous snakes are thicker than harmless ones, and 
the tail is shorter. They also appear rough, owing to 
the dorsal scales being keeled. The head is also tri¬ 
angular; they have a peculiar pit or depression in the 
upper jaw between the eye and the nose, and they 
have elliptical pupils. The poison is secreted by glands 
corresponding to the parotids in man; it is a thin 
yellowish fluid, varying in quantity from one drop to 
a drachm, according to the variety and size of the 
snake. 

SYMPTOMS: 

*[Symptoms occur quickly; more or less severe; commonly: 
intense shock; clammy skin; great thirst; severe pain in part 
bitten—pain area rapidly increases; locally, partial paralysis; 
intense swelling of portion of body injured—which latqr be- 


*Author’s uncondensed text. 



214 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


comes livid and gangrenous; fainting; vomiting; small, fre¬ 
quent, irregular pulse; hemorrhages; bloody stools and urine; 
lethargy; difficult respiration; convulsions ; death. 

It is thought the quantity of peptones in the venom determines 
the amount of local edema, severity of the convulsions and de¬ 
gree of the paralysis of respiration; it is supposed the globulins 
disorganize the blood and produce hemorrhage.] 

TREATMENT: 

*[1. Get the poison out where it went in, and do it quickly; 
keep it there until you do so. Seize the bitten part, with both 
hands, firmly between the wound and the heart (but close to 
the wound) to keep the poison at the wound; if the wound 
be on an extremity have some one tie tightly a strong band 
(rope, string, handkerchief—anything) around the part, close 
to your hands (but nearer the heart, and two or three more 
every \ l / 2 or 2 inches beyond that one, and keep them there for 
20 or 30 minutes. Then (or even while the hands alone were 
holding, if there be help enough to do it,) cut deeply 4 or 5 
horizontal lines about % inch apart, so placed that the bites 
will be about the center of the series; and in the same way 
cut 4 or 5 vertical lines across the horizontal ones, thus making 
a lot of little squares with the bites nearest the middle ones; 
this frees the poison and causes the blood to flow copiously 
and to wash it out and away; then suck the wound vigorously 
if neither lips nor mouth have cut or abrasion, (the gastric juice 
destroys any venom which may be swallowed accidentally), or 
use a cupping glass, or put alcohol in glass or bottle, and burn, 
then apply, or use breast pump, to encourage removal of the 
venom from the wound. When well done, or before com¬ 
pleted, if possible, surround the bites with a circle of deep 
injections (about y 2 inch apart) of a 1 or 2 per cent solution 
(1 grain in about 2 teaspoonfuls of water, or a wine-color solu¬ 
tion) of potassium permanganate, to oxidize, neutralize or burn 
up the venom; or if no hypodermic is at hand, such a solu¬ 
tion, or even one of only 5 or 10 grains to the pint, may advan¬ 
tageously be freely poured into the more or less evacuated 
wound and the wound finally dressed with any of these solu¬ 
tions on clean gauze or cloth. When the wound has been 
freely evacuated, and if possible oxidized by the permanganate, 
the circulation-interrupting bands may be carefully loosened and 
some of the blood from the injured part allowed to flow to the 
heart and then the bands retightened; if no markedly serious 
effects are observed from this loosening, it may be repeated at 
10 to 20 minute intervals, until the safety of a restored free 
circulation from the wound seems to be established. 

The foregoing seems to be the best procedure; but some 
authorities favor quickly cutting out the bitten part or cauter¬ 
izing it thoroughly with caustic, or a red hot iron, or a live coal, 
or applying strong nitric acid, or even applying gunpowder and 
setting fire to it. Very many favor the subcutaneous injection 
or application of a potassium permanganate solution. Injec¬ 
tion about the wound of a 10 per cent solution of Calcium 
Hypochlorite or of a solution of Aurum Chloride has been rec¬ 
ommended; also free application of Ammonia Water; also 


SPIGELIA. 


215 


washing wound thoroughly, then applying a 25 per cent. Car¬ 
bolic Acid solution; also free application of Tincture of Iodine; 
also giving of Galium Circsezans, internally. Elimination may 
be aided by inducing free perspiration or salivation by Pilocar¬ 
pine Hydrochlorate (1/100 to 1/60 grain hypodermically). 

Bleeding bitten limb and transfusing new blood into other 
limb, recommended be done if severely poisoned by cobra. 

The administration, or hypodermic injection (in 15 to 30 c.c. 
doses for adult, children half as much), of a horse serum (one 
is called Antivenene) has saved lives of many persons bitten 
by the cobra, or other snake. Inject it into abdominal, cellular 
tissue within 2 hours after bite; use Permanganate solution at 
bite, or inject into and around bite 8 c.c. of 1:60 solution of 
Calcium Hypochlorite. Bile, or the water soluble portion of 
it, is said to be beneficial also. 

2. Encourage heart action and circulation by weak inter¬ 
rupted galvanic currents to chest near heart. Rub briskly over 
heart and firmly over body. Give coffee; fresh air freely. 

3. Give Ammonia inhalations and stimulate with Brandy 
or Whisky very freely (2 to 8 teaspoonful doses or more every 
10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful doses hypodermically as 
frequently) ; or give Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoon¬ 
ful in water, or inject teaspoonful each of such Ammonia 
and of water, if possible, into radial vein, as frequently) ; or, 
Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically every 
10 to 20 minutes if necessary, for several doses). Some advise 
to carry whisky to point of narcosis—is debatable. 

If respiration is seriously interfered with, resort to artificial 
respiration and maintain for several hours. 

Keep patient warm, quiet. Transfusion of healthy blood or 
intravenous injection of normal salt solution may be required. 

In rattlesnake bite, Olive Oil freely, both externally and 
internally, is by some considered a specific. 

It is believed snake-charmers render themselves immune to 
venom by taking small doses by the mouth.] 

^Author’s uncondensed text. 

SNEEZE WEED (Stagger Weed). 

Causes sneezing, staggering, dyspnea, convulsions, 
death. If swallowed, emetics, cathartics. However 
poisoned, employ rest, fresh air, oxygen, external heat, 
and sedatives and stimulants as indicated. 

SPIGELIA (PINK ROOT). 

SYMPTOMS: 

Vertigo; dimness of vision; dilated pupils: dry 
throat; convulsions ; delirium. 

TREATMENT: 

I. Evacuate the stomach: Syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If the 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 



216 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a teaspoonful in a small cupful 
of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or 
Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated 
every 15 minutes until effective). After giving 
emetic, always give plenty of lukewarm water to 
encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration as 

described under Savine on Page 208. 

SPURGE 

By mouth, seed or juice produces violent vomit¬ 
ing, diarrhoea, debility, sometimes death. Ex¬ 
ternally, burning, itching, blistering, raw surface. 
When swallowed, treat as for Belladonna; when ex¬ 
ternal, use applications as for Rhus (q.v.). 

STAINS (See Appendix.) Treat effects of a con¬ 
nected toxic solution according to the poison. 

STROPHANTHUS (KOMBE ARROW POI¬ 
SON)—STROPHANTHIN—OUABAIN. 

HISTORY: 

Fatal dose; Strophanthin is three times as poison¬ 
ous at Atropine, ten times as poisonous as Strych¬ 
nine, and twelve times as poisonous as absolute Hy¬ 
drocyanic Acid. 

Death by paralysis of the heart (in systole). 

SYMPTOMS : 

Pulse weak; urine increased; muscular rigidity; 
spasms. 

TREATMENT: 

Recumbent position. 

1. Evacuate the stomach if just taken; syphon out 
the stomach with a stomach-tube, using plenty o! 
water. If the stomach-tube is not at hand, use an 
emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomit- 


STROPHANTHUS. 


217 


ing is not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful 
in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecac¬ 
uanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful 
every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting results), or 
Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 
grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effective). 
After giving emetic, always give plenty of luke¬ 
warm water to encourage vomiting. 

Give Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in a 
little water). 

2. Stimulate, by the mouth, or if vomiting per¬ 
sists, by the bowel. Stimulate heart, circulation, 
and respiration with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoon¬ 
ful doses every 10 to 15 minutes, or 34 teaspoonful 
doses hypodermically as frequently) or with Aro¬ 
matic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little 
water every 10 to 15 minutes, or *4 teaspoonful hy¬ 
podermically as frequently), or Caffein Citrate (1 to 
4 grains every *4 to 1 hour), and inhalations of Amyl 
Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl crushed in a handker¬ 
chief and inhaled, using one . every 34 to 1 hour if 
necessary), may be used for the same purposes. 
Draughts of strong coffee may also be given. 

3. Give a saline cathartic, such as Epsom Salt, 
with much water. 

4. Give inhalations of Chloroform or Ether, to 

secure muscular relaxation. Give Chloral as the 
best antagonist (30 grains in water by mouth, or 
twice as much by rectum) as soon as possible; then 
in 20 grain doses hourly while convulsive tendency 
continues. Potassium Bromide (a drachm in water 
every 34 to 1 hour by mouth, or *4 to 2 drachms by 
rectum) may be given, but its action is rather slow. 
May give both Chloral and Bromide, keeping pa¬ 
tient gently narcotized during several hours if neces¬ 
sary. Inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for 
the same purposes. 

Curare (1/20 to 1/6 grain hypodermically) and 
Calabar Bean (Physostigmine Sulphate, 1/100 grain 


218 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


hypodermically) and Potassium Permanganate are 
recommended. 

Also ice to spine, and a tobacco enema. 

For threatened death from embarrassed respira¬ 
tion, resort to artificial respiration (rhythmically 
raising and lowering arms from straight at sides to 
up over head and back again, 18 or 20 times a min. 

SULFONAL—TRIONAL—TETRONAL— VER¬ 
ONAL—AMMONAL—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

Death in 40 hours from two 15-grain doses Sulfo- 
nal taken in 1% hrs. Also death on fourth day from 
taking over an ounce. Rocovery from 3 ozs. Veron¬ 
al, death from \]/ 2 drams. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Giddiness; confusion; weakness; tumbling and 
walking about unsteadily; cyanosis; suppressed 
urine ; ptosis ; may be pain in stomach, vomiting and 
papular skin eruption ; collapse ; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach if poison was taken only 
a short time before; syphon out the stomach with a 
stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a stomach- 
tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such as Zinc Sul¬ 
phate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, re¬ 
peated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not produced), 
or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cupful of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), or 
Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or 
Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated 
every 15 minutes until effective). After giving 
emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water to 
encourage vomiting. Keep patient horizontal. 

2. Give Spirit of Nitrous Ether (1 to 2 teaspoon¬ 
fuls in water every to 2 hours) and Magnesium 
Sulphate—Epsom Salt—(2 tablespoonfuls in a cup- 


TIN COMPOUNDS. 


219 


fill of water). Give Sodium Bicarbonate (a tea¬ 
spoonful in a gobletful of water). Heat to body. 

3. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or ^4 teaspoonful doses hypoder¬ 
mically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of 
Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 
15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently). Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 grain hypo¬ 
dermically, repeated in 10 to 30 minutes if neces¬ 
sary). Draughts of hot strong coffee or Caffein 
Citrate (2 or 3 grain doses) are also good. Artificial 
respiration if required. 

TANSY (TANACETUM VULGARE). 

HISTORY: 

Fatal dose: As a rule ]/ 2 ounce of the oil causes 
death; 1 drachm of it has caused death. The dose 
of the oil is 1 minim. 

Death by paralysis of heart. 

SYMPTOMS : 

Characteristic tansy odor of breath; consulsions; 
unconsciousness; dilated pupils; hurried, stertorous 
breathing; full, gradually weakening pulse. 

TREATMENT: 

Treat same as in poisoning by Savine. 

TIN COMPOUNDS. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Metallic taste in mouth; vomiting; diarrhoea; 
pain; diminished heart action. 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 


22 0 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine Hy¬ 
drochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, repeated 
every 15 minutes until effective). After giving 
emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water to 
encourage vomiting. 

2. Give milk or white of egg freely. Ammonium 
Carbonate (in 5 grain doses in a small cupful of 
water), also Sodium Bicarbonate, have been highly 
recommended for poisoning by the Chloride. 

Magnesia mixed in water should be freely given 
and followed by mucilaginous and albuminous 
drinks, such as flaxseed tea, elm bark water, gruel, 
gum arabic or gum tragacanth water, or white of 
egg in water. 

3. Give Opium for pain (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 
grains every l / 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops 
every y 2 to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in 
gruel by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sul¬ 
phate (y grain by mouth or hypoderm. every y to 
2 hrs.) to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

4. Stimulate as in Antimony. 

TOBACCO—NICOTINE. 

HISTORY: 

Pure Nicotine is a colorless oily liquid, and is rapidly 
fatal. Havana tobacco contains 2$. Kentucky, Ten¬ 
nessee and Virginia tobaccos, 6$ or 7$. Poisoning has 
resulted from mistaking infusion for coffee; from to¬ 
bacco chewing and smoking; from giving for worms, 
or to induce abortion: from children using old tobaccr- 
pipes to blow soap bubbles; from local applications 
of tobacco, etc. Death from enema of y 2 dram of 
the leaves. Boys have died as result of smoking to¬ 
bacco. “The hot volatile, gaseous nicotine in the 
tobacco of the cigarette is released by the burning 


TOBACCO—NICOTINE. 


m 

process and absorbed by the mucous membrane of 
the mouth, larnyx, vocal cords, trachea, or the lungs 
with its 2,000 sq. feet of surface exposed to the 
action of the toxin.” The objectionable products, 
also in using cigar and pipe.—P. G. in Med. Counc. 
Fatal dose of Nicotine, M.iii—60 in 2 or 3 hrs. 

Death by paralysis of respiration or of heart. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Severe depression ; giddiness ; feeling of wretched¬ 
ness and weakness; nausea; vomiting; weak, rapid 
pulse; cold, clammy skin; pupils at first contracted, 
then dilated ; dyspnoea; muscular tremblings ; there 
may be convulsions ; coma. 

TREATMENT: 

Put patient in a horizontal position. 

1. If free vomiting does not occur, evacuate the 
stomach; syphon out the stomacli with a stomach- 
tube, using plenty of water. If the stomach-tube is 
not at hand, use an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate 
(20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 
15 minutes if vomiting is not produced), or Mustard 
(a tablespoonful in a small cupful of water, repeated 
in 15 minutes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha 
(Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipe¬ 
cac, a teaspoonful every 15 minutes until vomiting 
results), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypo¬ 
dermically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes 
until effective). After giving emetic, always give 
plenty of water to encourage vomiting. Before be¬ 
ginning or completing syphonage, or before vomit¬ 
ing occurs or ceases, give Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid 
(30 grains in a small wineglassful of water), or in 
lieu may give Iodine (1 to 2 grains) and Potassium 
Iodide (5 to 10 grains) in water (1 to 2 tablespoon¬ 
fuls), or in absence of these, copious draughts of 
strong tea or a decoction of oak bark {J/2 ounce to a 
small cupful of water). 

2. Give Spirit of Nitrous Ether (1 to 2 teaspoon¬ 
fuls in much water). 

3. Give Strychnine Sulphate as the true physio¬ 
logical antidote (1/60 to 1/20 grain hypodermically^ 


222 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Nux Vomica 
(30 minims in 2 tablespoonfuls of water by mouth), 
as an antagonist. Also stimulate with Brandy or 
Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 10 to 15 minutes, 
or l /[ teaspoonful doses hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently), or give Chloroform (20 to 30 drops in 
water every % to 2 hours). Apply cold to the head. 

4. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles, or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to feet and sides of body). Artificial respira¬ 
tion and oxygen if required. 

Note. —Is claimed, in cigarette habit and tobacco smoking, craving is 
lost or lessened by rinsing mouth with Silver Nitrate solution (% to 1 
grain to water 1 ounce) just before smoking. Should also avoid stimu¬ 
lating foods and beverages. 

TRIONAL. TRUFFLES. 

(See Sulfonal). (See Fungi). 

TURPENTINE—OIL OF TURPENTINE— 
(SPIRIT OF TURPENTINE). 

HISTORY: 

Usually given by mistake, or overdose when used 
to expel worms. A child died in 15 hours from y 2 
ounce of the oil; a teaspoonful killed a 5 months old 
infant; recovery in child under 2 years old after 
taking a tablespoonful. Death of adult from 6 ozs. 

Death by paralysis of respiration. 

SYMPTOMS: 

A Turpentine odor in the breath. Usually there 
is giddiness and a kind of intoxication, followed by 
gastro-enteritis; there is strangury, bloody, scanty 
urine, with odor of violets; there may be purging; 
cyanosis; dilated pupils; stertorous breathing; d *y, 
moist skin; feeble, rapid pulse; coma; collapse. 

Somewhat resembles poisoning by Opium, 

TREATMENT: 

i. Evacuate*the stomach if seen promptly; sy¬ 
phon out the stomach thoroughly with a stomach- 


URETHAN. 


223 


tube, using plenty of water. May give emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of 
water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not pro¬ 
duced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re¬ 
peated every 15 minutes until effective). After giv¬ 
ing emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water 
to encourage vomiting. Give Magnesium Sulphate 
—Epsom Salt—(1 to 4 tablespoonfuls in a cupful 
of water) during syphoning or before emetic effect 
is over. 

2. If bowels have not moved freely, give enema, 

also Magnesium Sulphate (1 to 2 tablespoonfuls in 
water). Apply hot fomentations to loins. 

3. Give much water and demulcents (such as 
white of egg, milk, oil, gum arabic, flaxseed or elm 
tea, barley or starch water, oatmeal gruel, gelatine, 
flour and water, or even crushed bananas). 

4. Give stimulants; as in Savine (q. v.). 

5. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, 1 to 2 grains 
every y 2 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
^ to 2 hours by mouth, or y 2 teaspoonful in gruel 
by rectum as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (p+ 
grain by mouth or hypodermically every y 2 to 2 
hours), to relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

TYROTOXICON. 

(See Fish Poison and Ptomains). 

URETHAN. 

HISTORY: 

Death by asphyxia. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Vomiting; reduced temperature and heart action; 
muscular weakness; general anesthesia. 


224 


A MANUAL OF TONICOLOGY. 


TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach; syphon out the stomach 
with a stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a 
stomach-tube is not at hand, use an emetic, such 
as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in two tablespoonfuls 
of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomiting is not 
produced), or Cupric Sulphate (3 to 5 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water every 5 to 10 minutes until 
it acts), or Mustard (a tablespoonful in a small cup¬ 
ful of water, repeated in 15 minutes if not effective), 
or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; 
or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoonful every 10 to 15 
minutes until vomiting results), or Apomorphine 
Hydrochlorate, hypodermically (1/10 grain, re¬ 
peated every 15 minutes until effective). After giv¬ 
ing emetic, always give plenty of luke-warm water 
to encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 

with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or teaspoonful doses hypo¬ 
dermically as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit 
of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in a little water every 
10 to 15 minutes, or y teaspoonful hypodermically 
as frequently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 
to 1/20 grain hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours) 
and Atropine Sulphate (1/120 to 1/60 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every y 2 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Bella¬ 
donna (20 drops in water every y 2 to 2 hours). Tinc¬ 
ture of Digitalis (30 drops by mouth, or half as much 
hypodermically, every to 2 hours), or Digitalin 
(1/100 grain hypodermically every y to 1 hour), 
or Caffein Citrate (1 to 4 grains every *4 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every % to 1 hour if necessary), may be used 
for the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee 
may also be given. 


VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL PROTEINS 224 a 


VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL PROTEINS 

(Such as Poison Thru Being Inhaled) 

Vegetable Proteins from the pollen of: Ragweed, Rose, Sun¬ 
flower, Golden Rod, Lilac, various weeds, grasses, etc.—Animal 
Proteins from epithelial scales, scales of the hair, feathers, etc., 
of Cat, Cow, Dog, Horse, Hog, Sheep, Canary, Parrot, etc. 

HISTORY 

The acute annual or occasional poisonings due to the inhalation 
mainly of the plant proteins are commonly known as “Annual Asthma,” 
“Seasonal Asthma,” “Hay Asthma,” “Hay Fever” (Pollinosis), “Rose 
Fever,” “Rose Cold,” “June Cold,” “July Cold,” “Peach Cold,” “Sum¬ 
mer Catarrh,” “Autumnal Catarrh,” “Nervous Catarrh,” “Nervous 
Coryza,” “Cold in the Head,” “Pollen Poisoning,” etc. 

The more or less irregular or occasional poisonings, which appear 
to be due to the inhalation of animal proteins, is called “Animal 
Asthma,” “Cat Fear,” etc. 

Proteins are formed mainly by plants, but there are no essential 
differences between the animal and the vegetable or plant proteins. 
All of the proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen; 
some contain also sulphur, phosphorus, or iron. 

Plant pollen, practically protein, is a fine dust-like powder or spherical 
or ellipse-shaped, grain-like substance formed within the anthers (the 
double-celled sacs of the stamens) of flowers. It is the fertilizing or 
male element in flowering plants; and nature provides that at the 
proper time is shall be transferred from the plant anthers to the 
stigmas, a part of the pistils or seed-bearing organs of the higher flower¬ 
ing plants. It is dusted upon the sticky surfaces of the stigmas or 
otherwise so placed as to reach the ovaries and the ovules. This con¬ 
stitutes the fecundating or fertilizing process called pollination. 

The pollen, representing the male element of the plant, is conveyed, 
ordinarily, to the ovary and ovules, representing the female element of 
it, either by the feet of insects or by the wind. Nearly all perfect 
flowers i.e., those which contain both elements, are either bright col¬ 
ored or white; they have a pleasing odor, yield honey, and give but 
a small amount of pollen, much of which, as a rule, is carried by the 
feet of bees and various other insects from the stamens to the pistils 
of those plants. The flowers of the other kind of plants, among which 
are various orchard and other grasses and many weeds, are not bright 
colored, and have no appreciable odor and no honey. They release a 
large quantity of very fine, light pollen which is carried by the air and 
wind from the stamens of the male to the pistils of the female of those 
plants. This pollen may fill the air at a distance from the plants, 
having been wafted thither by the wind. Thus, one susceptible to its 
effects, may, upon inhaling it, be poisoned by it at some distance from 
where it grew, its protein being more or less soluble in the secretions of 


2246 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


nose, eye, etc. Pollen not air-borne, as that of the rose and golden 
rod, may poison thru the handling and smelling of the flowers, thus 
causing the characteristic hay-fever type of poisoning, or pollinosis. 

In the blood and tissue cells of most persons are anti-bodies, or 
substances which neutralize these poisonous proteins when they enter 
the body; therefore such persons are said to be immune to these 
poisons. But some persons are sensitive or “sensitized” to certain of 
these poisons, therefore not immune to them, but more or less poisoned 
if exposed to them, and they enter into the body by inhalation, etc. 
These protein poisonings appear to be closely related to the protein 
poisonings produced in some persons upon eating the meat of certain 
animals, or the flesh, or eggs, of .certain fowl, birds or fish, or upon 
their eating certain cereals, vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. (See page 
149). All of these proteins are related to the proteins of snake venom 
and of certain arrow poisons, and of poisonings by bacterial proteins. 

Some persons seem to be immune to the various plant pollens but 
are not to the hair-scales of some certain kind of domestic animal, or 
to the feather-scales of some such bird as the parrot, canary, or the 
sparrow; others are immune to many of the plant pollens, such as those 
of the orchard grasses, roses, lilacs, etc., but are not to golden rod, 
or to rag weed, or to some other plant which flowers at the same time 
of the year as one of these. It appears, therefore, that the individual 
immunities, or the lack of such, to the various poisonous proteins, vary 
greatly in character, extent and degree; sometimes it is very difficult 
to determine, particularly among plant pollens, the protein or proteins, 
causing the individual poisoning, inasmuch as such may occur under 
obscure or very confusing conditions. 

Most cases of the “hay fever,” “hay asthma,” or pollen poisoning type 
occur, usually, between May and October in temperate zones, as during 
that time, in a region rich in vegetation, the air is more or less laden 
with the fecundating dust. Most persons who are affected are attacked 
between the 12th and the 20th of August and the attack is likely to 
last until a severe frost occurs in September or October. However, 
some persons are attacked in June or July, when certain orchard and 
other grasses ripen and the haying season approaches. The presence 
or handling or smelling of roses or certain other flowers may cause 
coryza, sneezing and dyspnoea in some persons at almost any time of 
the year. Some persons employed in greenhouses or handling flour, 
e*c., freely in bakeries show the poisoning effects. It is notable that 
if a person who is affected by the pollen of a certain plant or plants goes 
at the time of pollination to a region where there are none of these 
plants he is not likely to have an attack of the poisoning. 

SYMPTOMS 

The general symptoms in “hay fever,” “hay asthma,” or pollen 
poisoning are about as follows: There is a sense of dryness, also of 
irritation—such as tingling, itching or stinging, in the nose; this is 
followed by paroxysms of sneezing, more or less violent; the eyes are 


VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL PROTEINS 224 c 


suffused and there is a copious flow of serum and mucus from the 
nose; there may be headache, flushed face, feverishness, a sense of 
fulness in the head and of constriction over the eyes. Later on there 
may be such swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages 
as to almost completely block them, and the membrane may be very sen¬ 
sitive, even painful, also “water-soaked.” If the nasal discharge continues 
some time it may become distressingly profuse as well as sharp and 
irritating to the nasal openings and to the upper lip; this results in red¬ 
ness, sensitiveness, excoriation and cracking of the skin over which the 
fluid spreads, which is also aggravated by the frequent efforts to wipe it 
away. Breathing may be labored and the sufferer becomes impatient and 
irritable; he is more or less feeble and miserable, and finds himself 
quite unfit for the cares and responsibilities of daily life. 

Symptoms in “cat fear,” or “animal asthma,” etc.: Some persons 
experience much nervous excitement, with perhaps a choking or suf¬ 
focating sensation in the presence of certain domestic or other animals; 
this may occur even from merely entering a room or place recently 
occupied by such animal. It appears that the effects, either way, is 
due to the proteins of the epithelial scales, hair-scales, or other scales 
cast off by or issuing from the animal. These proteins floating in the 
air and inhaled or similarly incorporated by a sensitized person poison 
him. It then is not a hysteria but a nervous disturbance of a toxic 
character. 'Such a disturbance may also be referable to the scale-proteins 
from the feathers or skin of a bird, such as a parrot, or a canary, or a 
sparrow, etc., or to epidermal, hair-scale or other proteins from other 
creatures. The disturbance may range from a simple aroused conscious¬ 
ness or sense of aversion, antipathy and dread with excitement, to 
great irritability, roughened skin, chills, cold perspiration, nausea, 
vomiting, diminished heart action, difficult breathing, a sense of chok¬ 
ing or smothering, air-hunger, etc. 


TREATMENT 

Ordinarily, the most successful method of identifying the respective 
poisonous protein or proteins, and definitely treating the actual cause, 
is to vaccinate the afflicted individual with solutions or extracts of 
various suspected proteins until the wheal-like, inflammatory skin 
reactions indicate the poisonous protein or proteins. These vaccina¬ 
tions are made into the skin. When the identification is complete, 
the individual is therapeutically (hypodermically) inoculated with 
graded doses of an extract or solution of the pollen or other of¬ 
fending protein, given at certain intervals, usually one to three times 
a week, for several weeks. To determine the degree of sensitiveness 
scratches are made on the skin and to these is applied a 25%, 10% or 
even weaker dilution of the vaccine until just that dilution which gives 
no definite reaction is determined. That is to be the first phyodermic 
dose injecting a few drops only. Subsequent injections are of a few 
more drops and later a stronger dilution. These injections (therapeutic 
inoculations or vaccinations) stimulate the formation in the body of 
certain anti-bodies or neutralizing agents, which gradually become nu¬ 
merous and strong enough to successfully antagonize or overcome the 
assaults and injurious 'effects of the poisonous protein or proteins. 
Much skill and also good judgment is required in the successful in¬ 
terpretation of the various skin reactions and in the judicious era* 


22Ad 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


ployment of the therapeutic or curative vaccinations. Commonly, in a 
pollen poisoning, it has been found advisable to repeat these therapeutic 
measures the next year, about two months before the beginning of the 
flowering season or pollination of the plant or plants causing the poison¬ 
ing, as a precaution against a return of the affection. 

In testing (by vaccinating) to determine the animal or bird protein 
causing the poisoning, the use of an emulsion or solution made from 
the dust of a room or place occupied by an animal or bird which it is 
suspected may be the cause, or made from the hand soilings resulting 
from stroking it, may afford the necessary information by showing 
whether such animal or bird is the source of the protein poisoning, i.e., 
of asthmatic-like attacks: and if so the necessary therapeutic (hypoder¬ 
mic) vaccination may then be instituted. The proper preparation of 
the various protein extracts requires much care and the best in the 
market is quite expensive. An antitoxic serum called pollantin has 
been prepared by injecting horses with pollen protein from certain 
plants. It is used by introducing one drop into the outer angle of 

each eye and one or two drops into each nostril each morning before 
rising. It has afforded temporary relief. 

Among other methods of relief in the “hay fever,” “summer cold,” 
“cold in the head” and asthmatic type of protein poisonings are the 
following: Various sprays of a neutralizing, alkaline, antiseptic or 

anodyne character, including boric acid, sodium salicylate, menthol, 
resorcin, hydrogen peroxide, Dobell’s, and Seiler’s solutions, etc. A 
solution of cocain, two to five grains, to the ounce of rose water, with 
or without ten grains of antipyrin, is helpful; but the cocain habit is 
easily induced. In uric acid conditions small doses daily of lithium and 
sodium, potassium, or magnesium salts, with dieting are beneficial. 

Hypercrophies, polypi, etc., must be remedied also. 

For excessive nasal secretion and obstruction, a spray of suprarenal 
extract, a dram in an ounce of Dobell’s solution. A mixture of the 

fluid extracts of white pine bark and witch hazel, two drams of each, 

and of calendula one dram, in two and one-half ounces of liquid albolene 
as a nasal spray, used every three or four hours, affords considerable 
relief. Camphor and menthol rubbed up together (without heat), each 
one dram, in liquid albolene, two and one-half ounces, used as a spray, 
likewise relieves. Capsules or tablets, each consisting of morphin 1/12 
grain, atropin 1/500 to 1/300 grain and caffein 1/4 grain, given every 
two to four hours, relieve much. The morphin relieves the pain and 
irritability; both it and the atropin diminish the excessive secretions, 
and all three improve the circulation and afford rest. Hoffman’s Ano¬ 
dyne, and spirit of chloroform, help some persons. A hypodermic in* 
jecti'on of three to four minims each of adrenaline solution (1 to 1,000) 
and pituitrin, may be given if there is not too great vascular tension* 
it usually affords prompt and intense relief. The inhaling of vaporized 
benzoin, camphor, etc., or inhaling the fumes of potassium nitrate, 
stramonium or belladonna, lobelia, oolong tea or coffee each by itself; 
or in combination with one or more of the others sometimes affords; 
great relief in paroxysms. Various tonics and stimulants, arsenic, 
strychnin, etc., also various sedatives and oxygen, may be found useful, 

VENOM (See Snake). 

.• VIRUS (See Rabies). 


VASELIN OR PETROLATUM. 


225 


VASELIN OR PETROLATUM. 

Vaselin or Petrolatum is sometimes taken or 
given to children for colds or various lung affec¬ 
tions. Large doses of the latter may produce un¬ 
favorable symptoms. 

SYMPTOMS: 

If unfavorable symptoms occur, may be cramps 
in lower extremities; severe, persistent vomiting; 
collapse, 

TREATMENT: 

1. Evacuate the stomach if vomiting is not free; 

syphon out the stomach with a stomach-tube, using 
plenty of water. If a stomach-tube is not at hand, 
use an emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 
2 tablespoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if 
vomiting is not produced), Mustard (a tablespoon^ 
ful in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 min¬ 
utes if not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered 
Ipecacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a tea¬ 
spoonful every 10 to 15 minutes until vomiting re¬ 
sults), or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypoderm¬ 
ically (1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes until 
effective). After giving emetic, always give plenty 
of luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. 

2. Stimulate heart, circulation, and respiration 
with Brandy or Whisky (2 teaspoonful doses every 
10 to 15 minutes, or % teaspoonful hypodermically 
as frequently), or with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
(a teaspoonful in a little water every 10 to 15 min¬ 
utes, or *4 teaspoonful hypodermically as fre¬ 
quently) ; also with Strychnine Sulphate (1/60 to 
1/20 grain hypodermically every T 4 to 2 hours), and 
Atropine Sulphate (1/120 grain hypodermically 
every *4 to 2 hours), or Tincture of Belladonna (20 
drops in water every f 4 to 2 hours). Tincture of 
Digitalis (30 drops by mouth, or half as much hy¬ 
podermically, every >4 to 2 hours), or Digitalin 


226 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


(i/ioo grain hypodermically every ^ to I hour), 
or Caffein Citrate (i to 4 grains every *4 to 1 hour), 
and inhalations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim 
pearl crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using 
one every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used 
for the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee 
may also be given. 

VERATRUM—VERATRUM ALBUM (WHITE 
VERATRUM, WHITE HELLEBORE)— 
VERATRUM VIRIDE (GREEN HELLE¬ 
BORE) — VERATRINE — SABADIILA — 
CEVADIN — ZYGADEMUS (DEATH 
CAMAS). 

HISTORY: 

Usually taken by mistake. Veratrine sometimes 
used to commit murder. 1/16 grain Veratrine has 
caused dangerous symptoms. Death in 1 to 5 his. or 
several days. Recovery from 4 grs. Veratria. 

Death by paralysis of respiratory centres. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Burning and pain in alimentary canal; great mus¬ 
cular relaxation; fear; inability to swallow; nausea; 
vomiting; diarrhoea; palpitation of heart; pulse 
slow, thready; respiration labored; sight lost, pupils, 
usually dilated; intense itching; may be convulsions. 

TREATMENT: 

Keep patient in horizontal position, with head 
lowest, and provide plenty of fresh air. 

1. Evacuate the stomach unless vomiting has 
been free, from action of drug itself ; syphon out 
the stomach with a stomach-tube, using plenty of 
water. If a stomach-tube is not at hand, use an 
emetic, such as Zinc Sulphate (20 grains in 2 table¬ 
spoonfuls of water, repeated in 15 minutes if vomit¬ 
ing is not produced), or Mustard (a tablespoonful 
in a small cupful of water, repeated in 15 minutes 
if not effective), or Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipe¬ 
cacuanha, 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a teaspoon- 


VERATRUM, ETC 


227 


ful every io to 15 minutes until vomiting- results), 
or Aporiiorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically 
(1/10 grain, repeated every 15 minutes until effec¬ 
tive). After giving emetic, always give plenty of 
luke-warm water to encourage vomiting. Give in 
syphoning fluid or before vomiting ensues, Tannic 
Acid (30 grains in 2 tablespoonfuls of water), or 
Iodine (1 to 2 grains) and Potassium Iodide (5 to 
10 grains), or strong tea, or a decoction of oak bark 
(34 oz.) ; or Pot. Permang. (10 to 15 grs. in a pint 
of water), to oxidize alkaloids. 

2. Stimulate with hypodermic injections of Sul¬ 
phuric Ether (10 to 15 minims), or with Brandy or 
Whisky (2 teaspoonfuls every 10 to 15 minutes, or 
34 teaspoonful hypodermically as frequently). Give 
Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (a teaspoonful in water 
every 10 to 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times, to stimulate 
and prevent the alkaloids forming soluble chlorides. 
Strychnine Sulphate (T/60 to 1/20 grain hypo¬ 
dermically every 34 to 2 hours), Atropine Sulphate 
(1/120 grain hypodermically every 34 to 2 hours), 
or Tincture of Belladonna (20 drops in water every 
34 to 2 hours). Or to support: Tincture of Digitalis 
(30 drops by mouth, or half as much hypodermic¬ 
ally, every 34 to 2 hours), or Digitalin (1/100 grain 
hypodermically every ^ to 1 hour), or Caffein 
Citrate (1 to 4 grains every 34 to I hour), and in¬ 
halations of Amyl Nitrite (a 3 or 5 minim pearl 
crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled, using one 
every 34 to 1 hour if necessary), may be used for 
the same purposes. Draughts of strong coffee by 
mouth or rectum help; also Strophanthin (hypod.) 
1/120 grain. 

3. Employ artificial heat (such as hot water 
bottles or ordinary bottles containing hot water, 
or bags of salt, bricks, plates, or stove-lids, heated, 
applied to the feet and sides of the body), to main¬ 
tain bodily temperature. 

Give Hyoscin with Opium (see 4) as a sedative, 
and Ergot (hypod.) to strengthen circulation. 

4. Give Opium (Powdered Opium, I to 2 grains 
every 34 to 2 hours), or Laudanum (20 drops every 
y 2 to 2 hours, or 34 teaspoonful in gruel by rectum 


228 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


as frequently), or Morphine Sulphate (J 4 grain by 
mouth or hypodermically every y 2 to 2 hours), to 
relieve pain and nervous irritability. 

5. Apply electricity over the heart, and resort to 
artificial respiration if death is threatened from em¬ 
barrassed respiration (rhythmically raising and 
lowering arms from straight at sides to up over 
head and back again, 18 times a minute). 

VERMIN KILLERS. 

(See Arsenic, Phosphorus, Strychnine, Mercury, 
etc.). 

VOLATILE OILS: OIL OF CEDAR, ETC. 

(Treat as in Savine poisoning.) 

WOORARA. WHITE PRECIPITATE. 

(See Curare). (See Mercury Compounds). 

WOUNDS, POISONOUS (POST MORTEM, 
N DISSECTING, ETC.). 

SYMPTOMS: 

Pain; swelling; inflammation, perhaps fever. 

TREATMENT: 

Wash under stream of water, suck out the poison, 
cauterize and apply antiseptic solution. May paint 
over and around wound with Tincture of Iodine. 
Dress antiseptically with Boric Acid, Carbolic Acid, 
Bichloride of Mercury or similar solution. 

ZINC COMPOUNDS: ZINC CHLORIDE—ZINC 
SULPHATE (WHITE VITRIOL)—ETC. 

HISTORY: 

The Chloride used in embalming, as disinfectant 
and by tinsmiths, is corrosive, and the commonest 
cause of dangerous symptoms. 

Fatal dose: abt. 1 dr. of Chloride; J / 2 to 1 oz. of 
Sulphate. Fatal results from the Chloride in 4 hrs. 
Infrequency of fatal result from Zinc Sulphate is 


ZINC COMPOUNDS. 


229 


due to its usually being expelled by vomiting. 
Death in 4 hrs. to 4 months. 

SYMPTOMS,: 

Corrosion of lips and mouth; pain or burning in 
throat, stomach and bowels; nausea; incessant vom¬ 
iting and vomit blood stained; pulse and respiration 
increased ; dyspnoea ; pupils dilated ; convulsions ; 
paralysis; coma; death. [N. B. Only Chloride cor¬ 
rodes.] 

TREATMENT: 

Antidotes: Albumin, soap, alkaline carbonates, 
and mucilage. 

1. Evacuate the stomach, if free vomiting has not 
already occurred: syphon out the stomach with a 
stomach-tube, using plenty of water. If a stomach- 
tube is not at hand, tickle throat with finger or 
feather and give tepid water freely; may cautiously 
use an emetic, such as Ipecacuanha (Powdered Ipe¬ 
cacuanha, 15 to 30 grains; or Syrup of Ipecac, a tea- 
spoonful every 15 minutes until vomiting results), 
or Apomorphine Hydrochlorate, hypodermically 
(1/10 grain, repeated every 15 to 30 minutes until 
effective). 

In severe corrosion or marked tendency to vomit, 
avoid emetics. Syphonage and medicated water ser¬ 
viceable. For persistent vomiting give ice or cau¬ 
tiously small doses of Cocaine. 

N. B.—Put Sodium or Potassium Carbonate or Bi¬ 
carbonate {y 2 ounce) in water used in syphoning to 
form the insoluble Zinc Carbonate, or give it in 
water after emetic to assist emetic action, etc. 

2. Give freely white of egg in water or milk. 
Give Tannic Acid or Gallic Acid (30 grains in 2 
tablespoonfuls of water), or give strong tea, or a de¬ 
coction of oak bark (y 2 oz. to a cupful of water). 

3. Apply linseed meal poultices to the abdomen, 
and if much pain, give an enema of starch or gruel 
and water. Give mucilaginous drinks, such as gum 
arabic or gum tragacanth water or flaxseed tea. 

4. Give Opium (As directed under Veratrum). 

5. Give Stimulants for collapse. 


230 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Key to Principal Poisonous Plants, Etc. 

A. —Aconite (Aconitum Napellus) Monkshood: Wolfsbane. I. Stem (flowering). 
2. Pistil. 3. Stamens. 4. The two recurved nectaries. 

B. —Belladonna (Atropa Belladonna) Deadly Nightshade: Death’s Herb; Poison 
Black Cherry. 1. Stamens. 2. Style. 5. Stigma. 4. Berry and seeds. 5. Berry. 6. Stem. 

C. —Hyoscyamus (Hyoscvamus Niger); Henbane; Poison Tobacco; Insane Root. 

1. Flowering stem. 2. Corolla. 

D. —Stramonium (Datura Stramonium) Thorn, Devil’s, or Mad Apple; Jamestown 
Weed. 1. Fruit shown in section. 2. Stem. 

E. —Sanguinaria (Sanguinaria Canadensis) Bloodroot; Indian Red Paint. Puccoon. 

F. — Phvsostigma (Physostigma Venenosum) ; Calabar Bean; Ordeal Bean. 1. 
A flowering'branch. 2. Pistil (half of calyx removed). 3. Terminal part of style and 
appendage. 4. Appendage (trans. sec.). 5. A pod. 6, 7. Seeds. 8. Dry seed 
(trans. sec.). 9. Base of cotyledon, showing plumule and radicle. 

O.—Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa); Hemp; Tar. American Hemp (Cannabis); 
Indian Hemp (Cannabis). 1. Pistillate inflorescence. 2. Staminate. 3. Flower. 

H. —Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus Communis) ; Palma ChristL 1. Stamens. 2. 
Anther. 3. Stigmas. 4. Capsule (transverse section). 5. Seed. 6. Embryo. 

I. — Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus). Branch, fruit and flowers. 

J. —Coca (Erythroxylon Coca). Flowering branch.^ 

K. —Colchicum (Colchicum Autumnale); Meadow Saffron. 1. Capsule (closed). 

2 . Capsule (open). 3. Styles. 4. Capsule (transverse section). 5. Seed. 

L. —Conium (Conium Maculatum); Hemlock; Poison Hemlock; Eeaver Poison; 
Water Parsley.—Cicuta. 1. Fruit (vertical section). 2. Fruit (transverse 
section). 3. Fruit. 4. Flower. 5. Stem (flowering). 

H. Digitalis (Digitalis Purpurea); Purple or American Foxglove ; Lion’s Mouth; 
Fairy Fingers : Dead Men’s Bells. 

N. —Gelsemium (Gelsemium Sempervirens); Yellow Jasmine; Woodbine; Even¬ 
ing Trumpet Flower. 1. Branch (flowering). 2. Calyx and Pistil. 3. Corolla and 
Stamens. 4. Fruit. 5. Branch (fruiting). 

O. —Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata); Wild or Indian Tobacco; Emetic Weed; Asthma 
Weed. 1. Branch (flowering). 2. Flower. 3. Capsule. 

P. —Common Mushroom (Agaricus Campester); Edible M ishroom ; Meadow 
Mushroom. 1. Three young plants. In one, veil just separated fl’om margin. 2 and 

3. Caps partly expanded, gills still pink (later black). 4. Mature plant, cap fully ex¬ 
panded, gills blackish brown. 5. Vertical section of cap and upp.^t pa*d of stem of 
immature plant. 6. Same, of mature plant. 7. Four spores x 200 + . Fig. 8. Variety: 
Hortensis—immature plant. 9. Mature. 10. Four spores x 2004. 

Q. —Poison Amanita, Death Cup (1 to 4. Amanita Phalloides). 1. Plant with 
whitish cap partly expanded. 2. Fully expanded. 3. Mature plant (vert. sec.). (5 to 
7. Amanita Verna.) Vernal Amanita. 4. Young plant just emerging f _ cm wrapper. 
5. Immature plant with cap partly expanded. 6. Same, fully expanded. 7. Four 
spores x 200+ ; (poisonous). 

R. —Fly Amanita (Amanita Muscaria); Fly Mushroom; (poisonous). 1. Young 
plant just breaking from its wrapper. 2. Plant with red cap partly expanded. 3. Ma¬ 
ture plant, cap fully expanded and faded to yellow on striated margin. 4. Vertical 
section of part of cap and upper part of stem. 5. Four spores x 200+. 

S. — Nux Vomica (Strychnos Nux Vomica); Vomit or Poison Nut ; Dog Poison ; 
Ratsbane; Ordeal Root. 1. Branch (flowering). 2. Corolla (opened). 3. Calyx and 
Pistil. 4 and 5. Ovary. 6. Fruit. 7. Fruit (cross section). 8-10. Seed. 

T. —Poke (Phytolacca Decandra); Poke Weed, etc. 1. Branch. 2. Fruit (single 
showing carpels). 

U. —Poppy, Opium Poppy (Papaver Somniferum); Thebaica. 1. Ovary (with 
some stamens remaining). 2. Ripe Capsule. 3-4. Seeds. 5. Branch. 6. Capsule 
open. 

v _Rhuc * Rhus Radicans, ) Poison Ivy; Poison Oak.—(Rhus Ver- 

’ 1 Tar.: Rhus Toxicodendron » nix, Poison Sumach.) 

W. — Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum). 1. Plant in flower. 2. Capsule. 3. Ripe 
capsule opening at top. 4. Capsule (transverse section). 

X. —Veratrum Viride (Veratrum Viride); American Hellebore; Devil's Bite; In¬ 
dian Poke; Itch Weed; Bugbane. 1. Root. 2. Flower. 

Y. Spigelia (Spigelia Marilandica); Pink Root. 1 Flowering stem. 2. Corolla 
(opened). 3. Ovary with part of style. 4. Fruit and calyx. 5. Same (one cell 
opened) 6.. Ovary (trans. sec.). 7. Root stock and stem. 

Z. —Strophanthus (Strophanthus Hispidus). Illustration : seed with comose aw&. 


PRINCIPAL POISONOUS PLANTS, ETC 

Referred to in foregoing. (See page 224.J 
{Unaccompanied by names, as identification test)„ 







232 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 
















234 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 













PRINCIPAL POISONOUS PLANTS. ETC 235 









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PRINCIPAL POISONOUS PLANTS, ETC 237 - 












238 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 




















PRINCIPAL POISONOUS PLANTS, ETC 


239 





































240 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 




































242 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 



















PRINCIPAL POISONOUS PLANTS, 


ETC. 243 









244 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 





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KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


245 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 

of 

Various Patent, Proprietary and General 

Preparations 

[Note! The KEY is indicative of the reported, reputed, 
proved or probable, present or previous, active or otherwise 
important, ingredient or ingredients of the respective prep¬ 
aration, as shown in the parenthesis following its name. 

It should be noted, that proprietors of some preparations 
have been in the habit of varying certain of their formulas; 
also that not very long before or shortly after the passage 
of the Harrison Narcotic Law, or other restrictive measures, 
the proprietors of certain preparations quite materially 
modified some of their formulas. However, a poisoning 
might occur from a preparation secured before such change 
in formula and kept for a long time before being used. 

The analytical findings conducted for, or under the aus¬ 
pices of, or otherwise reported by, or through the American 
Medical Association, the British Medical Association, The 
Druggists Circular, The American Druggist, The Western 
Druggist, The National Druggist, The Medical World, The 
Medical Record, The American Journal of Pharmacy, and 
other sources of information such as Beasley’s Druggists’ 
Receipt Book, Street’s Patent and Proprietary Medicines, 
Oleson’s Secret Nostrums and Systems of Medicine, Reports 
of the New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Kansas, 
Indiana, Louisiana and other boards of health, etc., have 
been carefully consulted in this compilation; quite recently 
and most serviceably, also, Nostrums and Quackery, Vol. II. 
(pub. 1921), by Dr. Arthur J. Cramp, Director, Propaganda 
Department and Bureau of Investigation, of the Journal of 
the American Medical Association. 

The Key is intended to serve as a guide to procedure in 
real or fancied emergency (e. g.: when a small child has 
swallowed a large quantity of a presumed potent liniment or 
other preparation, it is helpful to have information regard¬ 
ing the ingredients; etc.) Upon reference to the Key it may 
be apparent that; certain preparations, commonly supposed 
to be potent, or harmful, are not so, at least not now, and 
perhaps were never found to be so; or, that a certain min¬ 
eral water or salt is chemically unsuited for use in the 
specific emergency; etc. The attendant upon a case of sup¬ 
posed poisoning must painstakingly determine if such a con¬ 
dition truly exists, and if so, its probable cause, then treat 
accordingly.] 


Anesthetics (Local).—They commonly contain or consist 
of one or more of the following: Cocain, novocain; eucain; 
carbolic acid with camphor and alcohol; or similar agents. 

Asthma, Hay Fever, Catarrh, etc.; “Cures,” “Specifies,” etc. 

Commonly one or more of: Opium, cocain, stramonium, hyos- 
cyamus, Indian hemp, belladonna, etc. 

Agnew’s Catarrhal Powder [Anglo-American Catarrhal 
Powder] (cocain, boric acid, menthol, sodium benzoate, sodi¬ 
um bicarbonate). 

Ascatco (Opium-arsenic preparation, etc.) 

Az-Ma-Syde (cocain 4.5 gr. per fluid oz., odor of thymol, 
wintergreen, phenol). [Tablets: acetanilid.] 

Birney’s Catarrh Powder (cocain, hydrochl., 1%%; men¬ 
thol, eucalyptol; sodium benzoat; sodium bicarb.—Conn. 
Rept., 1909). 



246 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Blosser’s Catarrh Remedy (chamomile flowers, aniseed, 
cubeb and pepper—1912.) 

Brodie’s Liniment for Asthma (oils of stillingia, cajeput, 
lobelia; alcohol). 

Electric Catarrh and Asthma Cure (cocain). 

Hair’s Asthma Cure (potassium iodid). 

Haye’s Asthma Cure [7 remedies] (“No. 781”: oils of tur¬ 
pentine, peppermint, etc.) ; (“T. I. Q.”: iodids). 

Himrod’s Asthma Cure [or Powder] (lobelia, 2 oz.; stra¬ 
monium leaves, 2 oz.; saltpeter, 2 oz.; black tea, 2 oz. All 
powdered).—Oleson 1903 (quoting- “Covert”.) 

Jayne’s Asthma Remedy (saltpeter, powd. belladonna or 
stramonium leaves, veg. matter). 

Lane’s Catarrh Cure (phenol, salt). 

Lenox Catarrh Cure (alum, zinc sulphate, lead acetate; 
pot. permang.) 

Nyal’s Catarrhal Balm (chlorbutanol, 2 grs.; lanolin, 
menthol, oil eucalyptus—Idaho San. Insp. Rept., 1912.) 

Rexall Catarrh Jelly (mfr. claims camphor, menthol, euca- 
lyptol—Street.) 

Rexall Catarrh Tablets (mfr. claims: boric acid, thymol, 
menthol, eucalyptol, benzoic acid.—Street). 

Ruby Catarrh Powder (cocain—Mass. Bd. Hlth., 1908). 

Sage’s Catarrh Remedy (golden seal, borax, salt, phenol) 

Schiffman’s Asthma Remedy (pot. nitrate, leaves of stra 
monium, belladonna, mullein, etc.) 

Stello’s Asthma Cure (Indian hemp, potassium iodid). 

Tucker’s Asthma Specific (Cocain, potassium nitrate). 
(Varied—another, later analysis: Atropin sulphate, sodium 
nitrate.) [As “Cure” (cocain).] 

Cancer Pastes, — (Commonly: arsenic, with or without zinc 
sulphate or chloride; or chromic acid; or antimony chloride). 

Cancer “Remedies,” “Cures,” etc. —Some “cures” have been 
found to contain one or more of: Cocain, opium, strychnin, 
cresol, phenol, potassium iodid, methyl salicylate, acetanilid, 
thymol, hyoscyamus, etc. Some have proved to be pure 
deceptions, the ingredients being inert. 

Cancerine (alcohol, etc.) 

Cancerol (opium, alcohol). 

Curry Cancer Cure [14 preparations]. (Among them, a 
“White Solution”—4% cocain; a “White Powder”—25% 
acetanilid; “Liquid Poppy”—opium; “Wash” & “Tonic(s)”— 
9% to 20% alcohol.) 

Miller’s Cancer Cure (acetanilid). 

Mixer’s Cancer and Scrofula Syrup [In 7 packages] 
(“Syrup,” potassium iodid, methyl salicylate, alcohol, etc.), 
(“Cancer Paste,” camphoraceous oils, hyoscyamus-like or 
belladonna-like substances). 

Cosmetics and Related Preparations. 

Absorbit (acid boric, magnes. carb., calcium carb., alum). 

Amarol (epsom salt, 90%; borax 10%). 

Anti-Freckle Lotion (corrosive sublimate, l 1 /k%; alcohol, 
2%; water, 96*4%). 

Berry’s Freckle Ointment (ammoniated mercury, 12%; zinc 
oxid, 0.7%—1912). 

Bradford’s Enameline (zinc oxide). 

Mrs. Bradley’s Face Bleach (corros. sublim., 23^%; com¬ 
mon salt, 9^%; magnes. sulph., 45 1 / £%). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


247 


Calocide Compound (alum, borax, tannic acid, common 
salt). 


Captol (chloral, tannic acid, tartaric acid). 

Cerol (borax, stearic acid). 

Dr. Charles Flesh Food (zinc oxid, 2%; acid stearic, 1 1/6 
%; vaseline, 51%; starch, 38%%). 


Circassian Cream (corrosive sublimate). 

Clearola (sulphur). 

Complexion Powder (bismuth, subcarbonate). 

Curticle Acid (acid oxalic, 2%; alcohol 10%; water). 

Delol (barium sulphate and sulphide, sulphur, calc, carb., 
zinc oxid, starch—Ind. S. B. Hlth.) 

Eugenie’s Favorite (lead carbonate). 

Flake White (lead carbonate). 

Flowers of Oxzoin (zinc o±id, 15%%; glycerine, 16%%; 
rose water, 68%;—variations). 


Freckeless (ammoniated mercury) [white precipitate, “a 
powerful caustic poison”] (12% bism. subnit., 10% vaseline). 

French’s Grease Paint (calcium and zinc oxide). 

Gouraud’s Oriental Cream (calomel). 

Hagan’s Magnolia Balm (zinc oxide). 


Hill’s Freckle Lotion (corrosive sublimate). 

Kalydor (potash, mercuric chlorid). 

Kingsbery’s Freckle Lotion (corrosive sublimate). 

Kingsbery’s Freckle Remover (corros. sublim.) 

Kintho Beauty Cream (ammoniated mercury, bismuth 
subnitrate, borax). 

Lac Virginis (benzoin). 

Laird’s Bloom of Youth (calcium, zinc oxid). 

Magic Face Lotion (boric acid, alcohol, 6.4%). 

Malvina Lotion (corrosive sublimate, zinc carbonate, 
emulsion of almonds). 

May-A-Tone (borax 3 to 25%; epsom salt, 50 to 97%). 

Mercolized Wax (ammoniated mercury, 10%; zinc oxid, 
10%; petrolatum or paraffin base, 80%). 

Mme. Ruppert’s Face Bleach (corrosive sublimate, 2/5%; 
benzoin; alcohol). 

Milk of Roses (mercuric chlorid). 

Neroxin (borax, 55%; soap, 25%). 

Othine (ammoniated mercury, 11.5 to 23%; bismuth sub¬ 
nitrate, 7%%). 

Pearl White (bismuth subnitrate). 

Perspiro [similar to the old Thiersche’s Powder] (acid 
salicylic, gr. 10; acid boric, dram 1%). 

Pimple Lotion (carbolic acid, tannic acid). 

Phillip’s Face Lotion (methyl, i.e., wood alcohol, 11%; 
ethyl, i.e., grain alcohol, 38%%; etc.) 

Rexall Tan and Freckle Lotion (corros. sublimate). 

Riker’s Face Powder (calcium, zinc carbonate). 


Saunder’s Face Powder (zinc oxid). 


Snow White Enamel (lead carbonate). 


Snow White Oriental Cream (lead carbonate). 


[Note: Many face powders are composed chiefly of a 
starch, such as rice, wheat or potato starch, and of a talcum 
powder; these are perfumed and tinted a rose color. Some 
contain zinc oxide or bismuth oxychloride or some other 
basic salt of bismuth. The coloring matters are carmine 
for pink or flesh tint; burnt umber, burnt sienna, bole, car¬ 
mine and yellow ochre for a Rachel or brunnette tint.] 


248 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Stillman’s Freckle Cream (ammoniated mercury, 20%). 

Thompson’s Wrinkle Lotion (alum, glycerin, water). 

Tiz—Apparently approx.: alum, 60; acid tannic, 10; acid 
salicylic, 5; talcum, 5; starch, 20%). 

Cough “Cures,” Consumption “Cures”; etc. 

Allen’s Lung Balsam (opium, lobelia, blood root; etc.). 

Dr. Seth Arnold’s Cough Killer (morphin). 

Ayer’s Cherry Pectoral (approximately: morphin acetate, 
wines of antimony and ipecac; etc.—P.M.&S.J.) (“Non-alco¬ 
holic revised formula,” printed on label.) 

Barker’s Cough Remedy (pot. iodid, methyl, salicylate, 
creosote). 

Black’s Pulmonic Syrup (water—alcohol, sol., ichthyol, 
glcerin, sugar. Alcohol 15.2%—1916.) 

Bosanko’s Cough and Lung Syrup [formerly Cure] (chlor¬ 
oform, alcohol, morphin, ammonia, syrup of tar, honey—No. 
Dak. Bull., 1911.) 

Boschee’s German Syrup (“opium or morphin”). 

Brompton Consumption and Cough Specific (approx, liq. 
ext. ipecac, tr. opium, treacle, water.) 

Brown’s Bronchial Troches (conium, cubebs, acacia, licor¬ 
ice, sugar). 

Bull’s Cough Syrup (“morphin sulphate, gr. in one 
ounce.” Another report: codein about % gr. to the ounce.). 
(Ammon, chloride, alcohol 5%—1914.) 

Cherry Balsam (a “consumption cure” labeled “harmless.” 
Analysis showed opium, alcohol, bitter almond oil). 

Child’s Cough Mixture (syr. squill, wine of ipecac, tr. 
camph co.) 

Coe’s Cough Balsam [Lloyd’s Specific] (opium, ammon. 
chlorid, ipecac; salicyl. and benzoic acids; etc.) 

Crosby’s Balsamic Cough Elixir. (An analysis showed 
chloroform, sulphuric acid, acetic acid, etc.) 

DeWitt’s One Minute Cough Cure (salicylic acid, chloro¬ 
form). 

Dr. Drake’s German Croup Remedy (opium). 

Duket Consumption Cure (“A glycerine solution of guaia- 
col carb., ac. salicyl., sod. bicarb., pot. carb., and small am’t 
nitric acid—A.M.A., 1914). 

Gowan’s Pneumonia Cure (camphor, opium, carbolic acid, 
turpentine, quinin, stearin, lard). 

Hoff’s Consumption Cure (morphin. potassium, arsenic). 

“Adjunct Cough Mixture Used in Conjunction with Prof. 
Hoff’s Cure for Consumption” (codein, chloroform, alcohol). 

Jackson’s Cough Syrup (morphin). 

Jayne’s Expectorant (“opium 1 1-5 gr., alcohol 15% in each 
oz.,” 1908); or (“opium, digitalis, camphor, ipecac, squill, 
tartar emetic,” etc.) 

Jones’ Grip and Cold Tablets (acetanilid 2.44 grs. per tab¬ 
let, or 50%.—Conn. Rept., 1908). 

Keating’s Cough Lozenges (“morphin, ipecac”); or (“ipe¬ 
cac, lactucarium, squill, ext. licorice, sugar, mucilage of 
tragacanth”). 

Kennedy’s Laxative Cold Tablets (capsicum, camphor, 
podophyllin, cinchona—Kan. Bd. Hlth., 1913). 

King’s New Discovery for Consumption (morphin, chloro¬ 
form, pine tar). 

Kurakoff (ac. salicyl., oil sassafras, turpentine). 

One Day Cough Cure (morphin, Indian hemp). 

Piso’s Cure for Consumption (morphin, tartar emetic, 
chloroform, Indian hemp, lobelia, etc.—Oleson, 1903, quoting 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 248a 


New Idea.) [Later: Piso’s Cure. Piso’s Remedy for Coughs 
and Colds] (Indian hemp, chloroform). 

Sedatole (heroin, squill, sanguinaria, wild cherry, balm of 
Gilead buds—Drug. Circ., 1917). 

Sabine’s Indian Vegetable Cough Balsam (tar, resins, 
chloroform, alcohol, sugar, traces of alkaloids, flavored with 
aromatics—A.M.A., 1920). 

Seelye’s Cough and La Grippe Remedy (alcohol, chloro¬ 
form, tar, sugar, syrup, plant material—A.M.A., 1919). 

Shiloh’s Consumption Cure (heroin % gr., chloroform 
2V 2 min.; per fluid ounce. Also glycerine, oil of tar, terpin 
hydrate, peppermint, ext. lobelia, ext. licorice; etc.—Analy. 
1908.) 

Smith Bros. S. B. Cough Drops (essentially charcoal and 
sugar flavored with oil of sassafras—N. H. Bd. Hlth., 1913). 

St. Jame’s Society Opium Cure (morphin, caffein—Mass. 
Bd. Hlth., 1904). 

Stoke’s Expectorant (paregoric). 

Van Wert’s Balsam for the Lungs (morphin 0.18 gr. per fl. 
oz„ ammon. chlorid, alcohol, chloroform—1916). 

Victor Lung Syrup (opium). 

White Pine compounds for coughs and colds (commonly 
morphin, chloroform, etc. Sometimes contain as many as 
15 ingredients). 

Wistar’s Balsam of Wild Cherry (opium, ipecac, squill, 
tartar emetic). 

[Consumption “Cures”.—Commonly one or more of: Mor¬ 
phin, chloroform, belladonna, hyoscyamus, peppermint, gin¬ 
ger, muriatic acid. Sometimes strychnin, creosote, guaiacol 
or similar agents; oil of wintergreen, sulphuric acid, potas¬ 
sium iodid, potassium bromid, capsicum, caustic soda, or, etc. 
Some are of very simple or practically worthless or inert 
substances as regards this disease, such as corn starch, bis¬ 
muth, sugar, pancreatin, sugar of milk, soap, etc.—perhaps 
in conjunction with aromatic oils, etc. In one instance 
sugar was thus sold at $8 per pound. Nauseous combinations 
may impair the ability to digest suitable food, thus vitiating 
the victim’s chief avenue of hope for recovery. Pretension 
to cure, “By means of sugar plus various incidentals,” etc.; 
an exploitation frequently by conscienceless laymen or “by 
men who are as lacking in professional training as they are 
in moral responsibility” (A.M.A.). The attendant upon a 
case of suspected poisoning by a “consumption cure” must 
carefully determine if there be a true poisoning or an above 
indicated gastro-enteric disturbance only.] 

Zaegel’s Lung Balsam (alcohol, water, sugar, a laxative 
and oil of peppermint.—A.M.A., 1920). 

Hair Dyes, “Tonics,” etc. Various kinds of hair restora¬ 
tives contain lead. 

Absorbit (boric acid, magnes.carb., alum., calc. carb.—Ind. 
State Bd. Hlth.) 

A. D. S. Hair Reviver (alcohol 26%, glycerine, quinin, 
pilocarpin, salicylic acid, menthol). 

Allen’s World’s Hair [and Color] Restorer (lead, sulphur). 

Ambrosial Hair Tonic (wood alcohol 48%—Drug. Circ., 
1915). 

Ayer’s Hair Vigor (lead acetate, sulphur). 

Ayer’s Recamier [Balm also “Cream”] (corrosive sublim., 
perhaps zinc oxid). 

Barbo Compound (lead acetate, sulphur, Glauber salt, 
calcium chlorid, salt, water—Conn., State Chemists, 1915). 

Bordet’s Hair Tonic (carbolic acid, tincture nux vomica). 

Cactico Hair Tonic (borax, capsicum, oil of rose, alcohol, 
glycerin). 

Canthrox (borax, baking soda, soap). 

Capillaris (Mansfield) (a salve of corros, sublim., sulphur, 
zinc oxid, borax and petrolatum—Drug, circ., 1915). 

Capitol (chloral, ac. tannic, ac. tartaric, fixed oil,—probably 
castor oil,—alcohol 65.9.—A. M. A., 1910). 

Chevalier’s Life for the Hair (“contains much lead’—Mass, 
Bd. Hlth., 1902)- 


248b 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 

Danderine (dil. alcohol—glycerin solution of boric acid, 
salicylic acid, resorcin, capsicum, perhaps cantharidin). 

Eau de Quinine Hair Tonic (alcohol 72; borates, large 
amount—No. Dak. Rept., 1905). 

Eau Sublime (similar to “Mrs. Potter’s Walnut Stnin ” etc.) 

Echo Antiseptic Hair Tonic (grain and wood alcohols). 

Egyptian Hair Tonic and Dandruff Cure (large amount 
wood alcohol—1906). 

Exelento-Quinine Pomade (petroleum, liquid paraffin, sul¬ 
phur, trace of quinin, oil, wintergreen a trace). 

Farr’s Gray Hair Restorer (ammoniacal solution of silver 
equivalent to about 7 gr. silver nitrate to 314 ounces of the 
preparation). 

Goldman’s Gray Hair Color Restorer (silver nitrate). 

Green Mountain Hair Restorer (lead acetate, sulphur). 

Hall’s Vegetable Sicilian Hair Renewer (lead acetate, sul¬ 
phur—N. H. Bd. Hlth. 1907). 

Hays Hair Health (glycerin-water, sol. of lead acetate, with 
free sulphur—Conn. Agr. Experim. Sta., 1915). 

Kathairon (tr. canthar, oil bergamot, glycerin, aq. ammon., 
castor oil, oil cloves, alcohol (perhaps wood). 

La Creole Hair Dressing (lead acetate, sulphur, glycerin, 
alcohol and water—Analys. La. Chem.) 

La Tosca Hair Tonic (98.5% wood alcohol). 

Leslie Co.’s Hair Wash (common salt, 47; borax, 47; sod. 
salicyl., 6.—1915). 

Magic Hair Tonic (common salt, alcohol). 

Parker’s Hair Balsam (lead acetate, sulphur). 

Pinaud’s Eau de Quinine (alcohol (by vol.) 67; solids 
(chiefly resin, similar to benzoin) 0.18; quin, sulph., minute 
trace; essential oils, very small amount.—Hiss. Thesaurus 
of Prop. Prep., 1899). (Alcohol (by vol.) 66; quin, or cin¬ 
chona alkaloids, 0.02.—Journ. A. M. A., 1913). 

Porto Rican Hair Growing and Dandruff Removing Co- 
coanut Oil (essentially cotton seed oil colored with caramel 
•—La. Quart. Bull., 1916). 

Mrs. Potter’s Walnut Juice Hair Stain [later—“Hair Tint”] 
(active principle of the dye a phenolic compound—con¬ 
formed to tests for paraphenylene diamin—a poisonous 
and dangerous chemical). 

Rexal Hair Tonic (boric acid, wood alcohol—Ind. Bd. 
Hlth. Rept., 1913). 

Seven Sutherland Sister’s Hair Grower (borax, quinin, al¬ 
cohol). 

Skinner’s Dandruff Mixture (chloral). 

Well’s Hair Balsam (lead acetate, sulphur, glycerine). 

Westphaul’s Auxiliator (borax, wood alcohol (by vol.) 10.96, 
alcohol total, 54.8; solids largely glycerin 3.56.—N. H. Bull. 
Hlth., 1907). (Conn. Rept., 1914, similar.) 

Wyeth’s Sage and Sulphur Hair Remedy (lead acetate—La. 
analys.) 

Headache Preparations, etc.-—Headache powders common¬ 
ly contain: acetanilid or antipyrin, or phenacetin, or aspirin 
or some other analgesic, perhaps cocain; and such frequent¬ 
ly is associated with caffein or camphor monobromate, 
and bicarbonate of soda, or sodium salicylate. 

“In fact “headache cures” and “anti-pain” “remedies” in 
general depend for their results on “one or another of the 
coal-tar drugs, acentanilid, acetphenetidin (or phenacetin), 
antipyrin, etc., which depress the heart.” They “injure the 
blood and produce a habit.” 

Samuel Hopkins Adams, in the Collier crusade, advised the 
public regarding the “drug-store-vended ‘headache cures’ 
and ‘anti-pain’ remedies,” containing acetanilid, as follows: 
“Take no nostrum of this class without a doctor’s prescrip¬ 
tion, unless you are sure it contains no acetanilid Make 
the druggist tell you. He is responsible. A suit for dam¬ 
ages has recently been won against a New York drug store 
for illness, consequent upon the sale of a ‘guaranteed harm¬ 
less’ headache tablet containing three grains of acetanilid.” 

Aceton (acetanilid, caffein, sod. bicarb.) 

A. D. S. Headache Wafers (acetanilid 4 gr., caffein). 

Ammonol (acetanilid 50 parts; sodium bicarbonate 25; am¬ 
monium carbonate 25.) [Analy. 1905.] 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248c 


Anticephalgine (sodium brom., sodium salicyl., acetan- 
ilid, antipyrin, caffein, alcohol 19%). 

Antikamnia (acetanilid, 68 parts; citric acid, 5; caffein, 
5; sodium bicarbonate, 20—Analy. 1905). (Later—phena- 
cetin 3.39 gr. per tablet in place of the acetanilid.) 

Arnold’s Headache Wafers (acetanilid, 3.15 grs. per 
wafer). 

Blue Bell Headache Tablets (acetanilid, 2 grs.; camph. 
monobrom., 1.5 grs.; caffein cit., 0.5 gr., per tablet—No. Dak. 
Kept., 1912). 

Blue Cross Headache Powders (acetanilid, 3.36 grs. per 
powder). 

Bradbury’s Capi-Cura (acetanilid, caffein, salol, quinin, 
sod. bicarb., camphor—1911). 

Bromo Caffein (potassium bromid, sod. carb., citrates and 
tartrates—No. Dak. Rept., 1906). 

Bromo-Lithia (acetanilid, 12 grs. per oz.; sod. phos., lith. 
bitart., sod. brom., caffein cit., sodium bicarb, and fruit acid, 
claimed—Conn. Rept., 1908). 

Bromo Pepsin (acetanilid). 

Bromo Seltzer (potassium bromid 10.53 parts, acetanilid 
4.58 parts, caffein 1.20 parts—in 100 parts: in 1 teaspoonful 
about 7 gr. pot. brom., 3 gr. acetanilid and 4/5 gr. caffein. 

Bromo Soda (caffein, sod. brom., sod. carb., tartrates and 
citrates—No. Dak. Rept., 1906). 

Budd’s Headache Wafer’s (acetphenetidin 5 grs. per wafer; 
camphor, monobrom., and carbonates—Conn. Rept., 1908). 

Burwell’s Instantaneous Headache Cachets (acetanilid— 
1911). 

Chandler’s Headache Buttons (acetanilid 57.07%; caffein 
4.40% sod. carb.; starch—1911). 

Comfort’s Headache Powders (acetanilid 3 grs to each 
powder—Ky. Bull., 1912). 

Eames Tonic Headache Wafers (acetanilid). 

Garfield Headache Powders (acetanilid, 3.4 grs. per powder 
—Wyom. Rep’t., 1910). 

Hick’s Capudine Cure (antipyrin and caffein.—19 grains; 
and salicylates equivalent to about 14 grains of salicylic 
acid, to each fluid ounce of the preparation; alcohol 8% — 
A. M. A.) [Exploiters “claimed”: “Hick’s Capudine is not a 
‘dope’”; “does not contain . . . poisonous drugs,” etc.] 

Hoffman’s Harmless Headache Powders (acetanilid, 5.02 
grs., cocoa. 4.02 grs., sod. bicarb. 1.01 grs. per powder). 

Howe’s Headache Tablets (acetanilid, 2 grs. per tablet— 
1910). 

Japanese Rapid Headache Powders (acetanilid, caffein, 
sod. bicarb.—Kan. Bd. Health, 1913). 

Johnson’s Utah Headache Salts (acetanilid 296.6 grs. per 
oz.—Idaho San. 'Insp. Rpt., 1912). 

Kefaline Headache Cure (phenacetin, 195.6 grs. per oz.— 
Mass. Bd. Hlth. Rept., 1908). 

Kephaldol Tablets (phenacetin, 50%; quinin, citric acid, 
salicylic acid, sodium comb.) 

Kephalgine (antipyrin, roasted coffee, caffein. sodium sal¬ 
icylate). 

Kephalose (antipyrin, caffein, 75.9; acetanilid, trace; pot. 
brom., 3.8; sod. carb., 3.3; sugar, 12.0.—A. M. A,, 1910). 

Kilmer’s Sure Headache Cure (acetanilid, caffein, sod. 
carb., camph. monobrom, acetanilid 4.3 grs. per tab.—1912). 

King’s Headache Powders (acetanilid 3.07 grs.; caffein 0.50 
gr. per powder; sod. bicarb., cinnamon). 

Koehler’s Headache Powders (acetanilid 76 parts, caffein 
22 parts—Analy. 1905). 

Kohler’s Antidote for Headache and Neuralgia (phena¬ 
cetin, 2.2 grs. per powder, caffein 1.27 gr. ?) 


248d 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Krause’s Headache Capsules (acetanilid, 3.27 grs., and 
caffein 0.10 gr. per capsule with sod. bicarb, and charcoal. 
No. Dak. Spec. Bull., 1912). 

Lavarre’s Sure Cure for Headache (poke berries, sassafras, 
caffein 0.10 gr. per capsule with sod. bicarb, and charcoal, 
peppermint, alcohol). 

Leroy Headache Powders (acetanilid 3.6 grs. per powder— 
Mass. Bd. Hlth., 1908). 

Midol [tablets]. Nurito [powders], (pyramidon—“a pro¬ 
prietary preparation derived from and having the antipy¬ 
retic and anodyne properties of antipyrin”—Analy. 1912). 

Migrainin (antipyrin, 90.97; caffein, 8.53; citric acid 0.51; 
water 0.07—A. M. A., 1909). 

Mulford’s Headache Salt (acetanilid 2.78%; bromides and 
caffein—No. Dak. Stat. Rept., 1908). 

N. E. D. A. Headache Relief (acetanilid, caffein, sod. 
bicarb.—Kan. Bd. Hlth, 1911). 

Nyal’s Headache Wafers (acetanilid 3.64 grains, caffein 
0.83 grain, in each wafer. 

O. K. Headache Cure (acetanilid, alcohol). 

Orangeine Powders (acetanilid 43 parts, caffein 10 parts, 
sodium bicarb. 18 parts—Analy. 1905). 

Phenalgin (acetanilid 57 parts, sodium bicarbonate 29 
parts, ammonium carbonate 10 parts). 

Rex Headache Powders (phenacetin 5 grs. per powder— 
Conn. Rept., 1908). 

Rexall Headache Powders (phenacetin, 5 grs. per powder 
•—Conn. Rept., 1908). 

Salacetin (acetanilid 43 parts, sodium bicarbonate 21 parts, 
sodium salicylate 20 parts—Analy. 1905). 

“SHAC” [Steam’s Headache Cure] (stated to contain abt. 4 
grains acetanilid, nearly 1 grain caffein, in each wafer— 
1908-1912). 

Sherman’s Headache Cure (acetanilid, caffein). 

Stanley’s Instant Headache Cure (acetanilid). 

Strong’s Headache Killer (acetanilid 4.5 grs. per powder, 
with baking soda and Rochelle salt). 

Mrs. Summer’s Harmless Headache Remedy (acetanilid, 
caffein, camphor, sodium salicylate—1910). 

Sunshine Headache Powders (acetanilid 4.5 grs. per 
powder—N. H. Bd. Hlth, 1916). 

Liniments, etc. —Liniments commonly contain: ammonia, 
or iodin, or camphor; etc. Some also contain one or more of 
the following: belladonna, aconite, opium, arnica, lobelia, 
soap, carbolic acid, oils of amber, cinnamon, sassafras, pen¬ 
nyroyal, peppermint, wintergreen, wormwood, juniper, hem¬ 
lock, thyme, turpentine, cloves, cedar, spike or origanum; 
acetic acid, crude petroleum, kerosene, menthol, chloroform, 
capsicum, cantharides, mustard; and an oil as olive, linseed, 
goose, snake, skunk, woodchuck, fish, whale, seal or por¬ 
poise, etc. 

Barker’s Bone and Nerve Liniment (camphor, turpentine, 
oil of tar, perhaps oil of thyme—Oleson, from New Idea). 

Beamer’s Liniment (gasoline solution of a small quantity 
of camphor and capsicum). 

Beaver Oil Compound (essentially gasoline, sol. of oleores. 
capsicum, oil sassafras; no animal oil present, at analysis 
—1910). 

Brodie’s Liniment (sulphuric acid, turpentine, olive oil). 

California Liniment (ether, chloroform, oil of lobelia). 

Carter’s Liniment (approx, formula: gum camphor, 4 dr.; 
oils of turpent., origanum, cedar, wormwood, sassafras, hem¬ 
lock each 4 drams; bals. fir, 1 oz.; chloroform 1 oz.; sulph. 
ether 1 oz.; tr. capsic., 2 oz., alcohol 64 oz.—Oleson, 1903). 

Centaur Liniment (turpentine, caustic soda, essential oils, 
soap). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 24Se 


Classe’s Great Penetrating Liniment (alcoholic solution of: 
ammonia, chloroform, opium, camphor, oils of sassafras, or- 
ganum and thuja; alcohol 64%; chloroform 35.3 min. per fl. 

oz.) 

Fluid Lightning (aconite); (another of the reputed form¬ 
ulas: oil of mustard, cajeput, cloves and sassafras each 2 
fluid drams, ether 1 fluid ounce, laudanum 1 % fluid ounces, 
alcohol 20 fluid ounces). 

Dr. Grove’s Anodyne for Infants (essentially a sugar 
syrup, flavored with oil of spearmint and containing 1-7 gr. 
morphin sulph. to each fid. oz.—A.M.A., 1919). 

Gunn’s Rheumatic Liniment (oils of cedar and amber; tur¬ 
pentine, laudanum, camphor). 

Hinkley’s Bone Liniment (oils of wormwood, hemlock, 
thyme and turpentine with capsicum). 

Jones’ Liniment (essentially, gasoline solution of oleoresin 
capsicum, oil sassafras, methyl salicylate, volatile oil, mus¬ 
tard.—1916). 

Liniment of Opium (Brit.) (tincture of opium and soap 
liniment equal parts). 

“Magnetic Liniments, Rheumatic Oils of “Joy”; “Gladness,” 
etc. (commonly contain several or many of the following: 
capsicum, camphor, ammonia, opium, turpentine, sassafras, 
contharides, ether, chloroform, oils of hemlock, rosemary, 
amber, origanum, peppermint, horsemint, marjoram, cedar, 
etc.) 

Parson’s Liniment (tar oil, kerosene). 

Sloan’s Liniment (essentially: turpentine, a light oil sim¬ 
ilar charac. as kerosene or coal oil, oil sassafras, oleores. 
capsicum, and appar. pine oil.—N. & Q.—Cramp, 1918. 

Thomas’s Electric Oil (chloroform, camphor, catechu, 
opium, oils of hemlock, wintergreen, origanum, sassafras 
and turpentine; alcohol). 

Thompson’s Liniment (menthol, camphor, oil turpentine, 
oil eucalyptus, chloroform tr. capsicum, methyl, salicyl., liqd. 
petrolatum). 

Tobias Venetian Liniment (ammonia, camphor, capsicum, 
alcohol, water). 

Wilson’s Lightning Liniment (capsicum, ammonia, cam¬ 
phor, turpentine, chloroform, opium, alcohol, oils of cedar 
and sassafras). 

Pain Preparations. 

Caldwell’s Anti-Pain Tablets (acetanilid 51.4; caffein, 12.3; 
corn starch 23.2; and camphor—1912). 

Chlorodyne or Chloranodyne (an old formula: Chloroform 
1 dram, morphin 5 grains, ether % dram, oil of peppermint 
4 drops, hydrocyanic acid dilute 1 dram, tincture capsicum 1 
dram, extract licorice 15 grains, molasses 10 drams. Mix. 
More modern formulas are: Morphin sulphate 24 grains, 
tincture cannabis Indica 6 drams, chloroform 6 drops, tinc¬ 
ture capsicum 12 drops, oil peppermint 12 drops, hydrocyanic 
acid dilute 72 drops, alcohol 3 1-5 ounces, glycerine 3 1-5 
ounces. Mix. 

Or: Morphin hydrochlorate 32 grains, alcohol 3 fluid 
ounces, tincture Indian cannabis 1 fluid ounce, tincture cap¬ 
sicum Vz fluid dram, oil peppermint 12 minims, chloroform 1 
fluid ounce, dilute hydrocyanic acid 2 fluid drams, glycerine 
enough to make 8 fluid ounces. Mix. 

Dexter’s Headache and Antipain Powders (acetanilid, caf¬ 
fein, sodium salicylate). 

Fosgate’s Anodyne Cordial (paregoric, ginger, rhatany. 
rhubarb). 

Green Mountain Oil (Magic Pain Destroyer) (oils sassa¬ 
fras, turpentine, thuja?, camphor?, linseed oil). 

Lindsey’s Pain Cure (capsicum, camphor, chloral, chloro¬ 
form, ether, oils of hemlock, cinnamon, sassafras, cloves, 
cedar, origanum, wintergreen. 


24Sf 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Miles’ Anti-Pain Pills (acetanilid 1.96 grs. and caffein 0 32 
gr. per pill; sod. bicarb., starch). 

Monroe’s Neuralgia Tablets (sod. brom., acetanilid, morph, 
sulph., gelsemium—Kan. Bd. Hlth., 1910). 

Pain Ease (acetanilid). . 

Perry Davis’s Pain Killer (opium, camphor, capsicum); or 
(Spt. camphor, tr. capsicum, tr. guaiac, tr. myrrh, alcohol). 

Pope’s Cure for Neuralgia (conium, potassium lodid). 

Radway’s Ready Relief (ammonia, capsicum). 

Schoenfeld’s Pain Relief (chiefly kerosene with some oils 
of sassafras and mustard; cayenne pepper.—Kan. Bd. Hlth., 
1912). 

Vermifuges. 

Brown’s Male-Fern Vermifuge (FI. ext. male fern, oil 
"w intergreen). * 

Dike’s Worm Syrup (santonin, cascara, sod. bicarb., oil of 
anise.—Conn. Rept., 1914). . ,. . .. . 

Fahnestock’s Vermifuge (reputed ingredients: oils of 
wormseed, anise and turpentine; tincture of myrrh, and cas¬ 
tor oil). 

Freeman’s Vermifuge Oil (pink root, oils of wormseed and 
turpentine; hydrastin, castor oil, syrup of peppermint). 

Hand’s Worm Elixir (santonin, emodin, oil peppermint, 
alcohol, 10.2.—Conn. Rept., 1914). 

Jayne’s Tonic Vermifuge (sodium santonate, pink root, 
jalap, erigeron, turpentine—Oleson). 

Kennedy’s Worm lyrup (santonin). 

Kennkle’s Vegetable Worm Syrup (santonin, pink root). 

Kickapoo Indian Worm Killer (0.5 gr. santonin per tablet). 

Low’s Worm Syrup (santonin 4.2 gr. per fl. oz.; genna?; 
alcohol 11%). 

Notkin’s Worm Syrup (santonin, senna, alcohol). 

Nyal’s Worm Syrup (santonin). 

Pleasant Worm Syrup (santonin, cascara sagrada, sod. 
bicarb., alcohol). 

Proctor’s Vermifuge (santonin, pink root). 

Rexall Worm Syrup (santonin, pink root, senna, potass, 
hydroxid, oil wintergreen, glycerin, water—Street). 

Vermin Killers. 

Battle’s Vermin Killer (“23% strychnin, Prussian blue 
sugar, and flour). 

Butler's Vermin Killer (strychnin 5%, soot and flour). 

Gibson’s Vermin Killer (% grain strychnin in each pack¬ 
age). 

Simpson’s Vermin Killer (arsenous acid 40%, mixed with 
malt and starch). 

[Some vermin killers contain phosphorus or arsenic with 
or without ground glass.] 


Miscellaneous. 

“A. C. E. Mixture” (alcohol 1, chloroform 2, ether 3, parts). 

Abernethy’s Pills (blue pill 2 gr., co.ext. colocynth, 3 gr.) 
A. D. S. Fruit Laxative (phenolphthalein, tamarind pulp, 
cassia fistula, fig pulp, gingerin, aromatics). 

Aletris Cordial (alcohol 28%, aletris, helonias, scrophu- 


laria). 

Alkalol (pot. chlor., pot. bicarb., eucalyptus, spearmint, 
cinnamon, vanilla, acid salicylic, acid boric). 

Allan’s Anti Fat (pot. iod., salicyl. acid, glycerin, fl, ext- 
bladderwrack). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248g 


Allan’s Restorative Tonic (alcohol 33%). 

Alophen Pills (aloin, strychnin, ext. belladon. leaves, powd. 
ipecac, phenolphthalein). 

Alpha-Lax (magnes. sulph., pot. chlorid, acid tartar., sod. 
bicarb.) 

Alypin (“local anesthetic;” “closely related to stovaine;” 
“claimed to be equal to cocain.” Used externally in 10% 
sol.; hypoderm. 1 to 4% sol. Has poisoned.) 

Ambition Pills (iron, aloes). 

Anadol (acetanilid, 79; caffein; sod. bicarb., 20—A. M. A., 
1910). 

Analgine Tablets (acetanilid). 

oxydendron, arboreum, abbucus canadensis, urginea scilla.df 

Anasarcin (Winchester, Tenn.) (Tablets: claimed to con¬ 
tain active principles of oxydendron arboreum, sambucus 
canadensis, urginea scilla. Elixir: claimed to contain active 
principles of oxydendron, sambucus, hepatica, and potassium 
nitrate—A. M. A., 1907). 

Anedemin (Chattanooga, Tenn.) (claimed to contain iso¬ 
lated active principles of strophanthus, apocynum, squill and 
sambucus chemically combined.—Similar to “Anasarcin”— 
1907). 

Anticalculina Ebrey (essentially, alcohol 28.8% by vol., 
colchicin, ammonium salts, vegetable extractives, water— 
A.M.A., 1920). 

Antidipso (pot. brom.) 

Anti-Grippine (acetanilid 1.77 gr. per tablet.—Ind. Bd. 
Hlth., 1915). 

Anti-Growl (acetanilid). 

Antineurasthin (“A mixture of egg yolk, milk sugar and 
gluten, with small amounts of starch, dextrin and aromat¬ 
ics.”) 

Antiphlogistine (a clay poultice practically identical with 
Cataplasma Kaolini, U. S. P. The official poultice contains 
kaolin, boric acid, thymol, methyl salicylate, oil peppermint, 
glycerin). 

Anti-Plug—Appar., bruised gentian and licorice roots, 
bound together into plugs with tobacco leaves by means of 
pressure—Oleson, 1903, quoting from “Western Drug.”) 

Aphlegmatol (appears, upon analysis, to be merely a con¬ 
centrated solution of glucose—1920). 

Arthur’s Sexual Tablets (iron, calc, carb., podophyllin-like 
drug, aloes, buchu, pepper, capsicum, cinnamon, small 
amount pepsin—1917). 

Ascatco (opium, arsenic, pot. cinnamate). 

Athlophoros (pot. acetate, sod. salicyl.) 

Ayer’s Ague Remedy (“non-alcoholic revised formula” 
contains quinin, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, peppermint, 
orange peel, glycerine, water). 

Ayei’S Pills (aloes, ginger, jalap, colocynth, podophyllin, 
gamboge, oils of peppermint and spearmint). 

Aspirin [Acetylsalicylic Acid]. Acts like salicylic acid and 
salicylates. Often used in doses of 5 to 15 grs. repeated once 
in 3 hrs. until ears ring, producing its full effects. 

Atwood’s Jaundice Bitters (22% alcohol). 

Ayer’s Recamier Moth and Freckle Lotion (corrosive sub¬ 
limate). 

Ayer’s Vita Nuova (cocain, alcohol—Oleson quoting Drug. 
Circ.) 

Ayer’s Sarsaparilla (“FI. exts. sarsaparilla, stillingia, yel¬ 
low dock. May apple; potassium iodid 3.4 grains per fluid 
ounce; iron iodid, glycerine or sugar”.). New formula on 
label. 


24Sh 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY 


Baby’s Soothing Syrup (morphin 1/20 gr. per fl. oz., alcohol, 
10%.—N. H. Bd. Hlth., 1916). 

Bacterol (cresols 50%, potash soap). 

Ballard’s Wonderful Golden Oil (oil peppermint, 2.9; 
methyl salicyl 0.95, linseed oil 96.15, veratrin—1916). 

Balm of Figs Compound (ichthyol, alum, boric acid). 

Balsam of Life (Cook’s) (camphor, borax, water, etc.— 
Drug. Circ., 1916). 

Bateman’s, Pectoral Drops (tinctures of opium, opium ben- 
zoated, and Canada castor with ground cochineal ), (or, like 
“Pectoral Tincture, N. F.”) 

Bactley’s Solution (50% stronger than laudanum). 

Beecham’s Pills (aloes, ginger, soap.—Anal., 1914). 

Bell’s Pa-pay-ans [Bell-Ans] (Essentially ginger, char¬ 
coal, sodium bicarb., saccharin, oil wintergreen). 

Bengue’s Balsam [Baume Analgesique BenguO] (menthol 
18, methyl salicyl, 20, lanolin 54, lard 8.) 

Betul-Ol (menthol, 2%; 2% of chloral in methyl salicyl¬ 
ate). 

Big G 'Injection (similar to berberin hydrochl. 15 gr.; zinc 
acetate, 15 grs.; glycerin 14 dr.; water q. s., 8 oz.—Drug 
Circ.) (Essentially a watery sol. of boric acid and berberin 
—A.M.A., 1919). 

Bile Beans (aloin, cardamon, perhaps colocynth). 

Black Cloud Healing Mixture (corros. sublyn, loz.; oil of 
tar, 1 gal.; turpentine, 1.5 oz.; phenol 5 oz.; wood alcohol, 1 
gal.—No. Dak. Rept., 1911). 

Black Drop (Brit.) (4 times as strong as laudanum). 

Blair’s Pills (Gout and Rheumatism) . (Colchicum, alum). 

Bloodine Blood and Kidney Tablets (methylene blue, hexa- 
methylenamin and salicylates.—1916). 

Blue Bell Bright Sunshine Tablets (arsenic, damiana, zinc 
phosphide, nux vomica, cantharides, glycerine, corn starch). 

Boracetine similar to Antiseptic Solution (N.F.) with “a 
dash of formaldehyde.” 

Bowden’s Indian Balm (lard, tallow, cocoanut oil, rape oil, 
oil eucalyptus, ess. oil camphor, ess. oil lemon, lanolin, bal¬ 
sam Peru.terebene, sol. ammon.) 

Boys’ Friend (solution—zinc sulph., boric acid, hydrastin, 
lysol—as injection. Pills.—iron oxide, powd. cubebs.—Ind. 
Bd. Hlth., 1913). 

Brandreth’s Pills (“Ext. colocynth, aloes, soap, oils of pep¬ 
permint and cinnamon, gum arabic and alcohol.”) 

“Break-Up-The-Grip” Tablets (acetanilid). 

Bromidia (one should bear in mind that the essential drug 
is not the bromid. Given formula: Chloral hydrate 15 grains, 
potassium bromid 15 grains, extract cannabis Indica % 
grain, extract hyoscyamus % grain). 

Brown’s Blood Treatment (pot. iod., a mercury comp’d.— 
1916). 

Brown’s Teething Syrup (morphin, oil anise—No. Dak. 
Rept., 1906). 

Brush’s Remedy for Seasickness (sod. brom., 14.94 grs.; 
citric acid 2.71 grs. in 100 c.c.—A. M. A., 1909.) 

Bull’s Blood Syrup (red iodide of mercury, potassium io- 
did, poke root). 

Burnett’s Disinfecting Fluid (corrosive, zinc chloride, 220 
grs. to oz., ac. hydrchl., etc.) 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248i 


Cacapon Healing Water (“it consisted in part of a filthy- 
decomposed and putrid animal and vegetable substance.”— 
A.M.A., 1919). 

Calder’s Saponaceous Pentine (calc, carb., 56; soap 44.— 
Oleson from “New Idea.” 1 903). 

Caldwell’s Rheumatism Cure (sod. salicyl., ammonia, bro- 
mids, chlorids, phosphates, sodium, alcohol 14.5.—1912. 
Camphenol (camphor cresol, phenol—A. M. A., 1910). 
Campho-Pheniqqe (phenol, 20; camphor, 38; liquid petro¬ 
latum, 38.—A. M. A., 1907. 

Carbolineum (“contains 85% of phenol”—Witthaus). 
Cardui, Wine of (McElree’s) (alcohol 20.36; valerian; 
appar.; blessed thistle; nitrates; etc.) (Later: benzoates, 10% 
alcohol). 

Carney’s Common Sense Cure for Opium Habit (“a series 
of solutions containing 2, 3, 8 and 9 grs. of morphine per fl. 
oz.”—Mass. Bd. Htlh. Kept., 1907.) 

Carter’s Little Liver Pills (approximately: “Podophyllin 
iy 2 gr., aloes (socotrine) 3 y 2 gr., mucilage of acacia, suffici¬ 
ent; mix, divide into 12 pills; coat with sugar.”) 

Castoria (reported as approximately: “Senna 4 dr., Ro¬ 
chelle salt 1 oz., Manna 1 oz., fennel ‘(bruised)’ iy 2 dr., sugar 
8 oz., boiling water 8 fl. oz., oil of wintergreen, sufficient”); 
or (senna, 2 oz.; pumpkin seed, 6 dr.; Rochelle salt, 4 dr.; 
Levant wormseed, 3 dr.; sod. bicarb., 2 dr.; anise seed, 1 dr.; 
oil wintergreen, y 2 dr.; oil peppermint % dr.; sugar 8 oz.; 
water to make 1 pint—Western Druggist). 

Cascarets (“Said to contain case. sag. and senna, combined 
with antiseptics and aromatics, each tablet representing lu 
min. of fl. ex. cascara sagrada.”—Oleson, 1903. 

Cassell’s Blood Cleansing Tablets (pot. iodid, phenolphth- 
alein, etc.) 

Celerina (cocain—Anal., 1908). (Claimed formula “‘Alco¬ 
hol, 42; kola, 40 grs. per fl. oz.; viburnum, 40 grs. per fl. 
oz.; celery, 48 grs. per fl. oz.; cyprepedium, 20 grs. per fl. 
oz.; xanthoxylum, 16 grs. per fl. oz.; aromatics.”—A. M. A., 
1915). 

Chameleon Oil (approx.—ess. oils of mustard, spearmint, 
pimento, cassia, camphor; oil turpentine, alcohol, strong sol. 
ammonia). 

Children’s Comfort (morphin, alcohol). 

Chloralose (chloral, glucose). 

Churchill’s Prescription for Nervous Debility (pot. brom., 
lith. carb., calisaya, golden seal, pareira brava). 

Clarke’s World-Famed Blood Mixture (pot. iod., alcohol, 
chloroform, ammonia). 

Coal-Tar Creosote (contains cresols; much more poison¬ 
ous than that from beechwood or other wood-tar; beech- 
wood creosote contains 60 to 90% of guaiacol, but without 
phenol or cresols). 

Coca-Bola (cocain). 

Coke Extract [a soft drink] (cocain). 

Cold-in-the-Head Tablets (aconite, camphor, creosote). 
Collyrium (Wyeth) (antipyrin, borax, boric acid). 

Colwell’s Egyptian Oil (opium). 

Cooper’s Quick Relief (capsium, oil sassafras, alcohol 
31.5%). 

Cram’s Fluid Lightning (oils of mustard, cajeput, cloves, 
sassafras, ether, tr. opium, alcohol—Oleson, 1903). 

Crayons, Colored Crayons, French Chalk [some crayons 
mistaken for candies by children, and are likely to contain 
chromium. The cheaper varieties of artists’ crayons and 
colors commonly contain arsenic. Crayons frequently con¬ 
tain white lead and coated. Some are Dutch pink mixed 
with Prussian blue]. 

Creolin (Pearson) (“consists chiefly of cresols with sapon¬ 
ified resins”—Witthaus). 


24Sj 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Cresols, The [3 kinds: ortho, meta and para] (they “ac¬ 
company benzophenol in coal-tar, from which a mixture of 
the three is obtained as a yellowish or brownish liquid, 
which is used as a coarse disinfectant—Witthaus). (Mar¬ 
keted under different significant names, etc.) 

Crossman’s Specific Mixture (opium). 

Cures for Drunkenness, Drug Habits, etc., under various 
names, commonly found to contain an opiate, or cocain, or 
bromides or both; etc. (e. g., Habitina, advertised as “A pos¬ 
itive cure” of the “morphin and other drug habits” and 
formerly called “Morphina-Cura”— V 2 oz. bottle of the liquid, 
upon test, found to contain 8 grains morphin sulphate and 4 
grains heroin hydrochlorid—“enough morphin to kill 7 or 8 
people.”) Such preparations frequently found to contain 
either belladonna, hyoscyamus, hyoscin, camphor, cannabis 
Indica, caffein, strychnin, tartar emetic, pilocarpin, carbolic 
acid, spartein, etc., either alone or combined with one or 
more of the others. 

Cuticura Ointment (“Carbolic acid (2%), [or salicylic 
acid], petroleum jelly, oil of bergamot”). 

Cuticura Resolvent (“Aloes, rhubarb, potassium iodid, 
whisky”), (or, potassium iodid, alcohol). 

Dalby’s Carminative (2^ minims of laudanum to the 
ounce). 

Danderine (salicyl. acid, borax, capsicum, glycerin). 

Dent’s Toothache Gum (creosote, carbolic acid, cotton, 
beeswax.—Idaho Rept., 1912). 

DeWitt’s Little Early Risers (croton oil). 

Diarrhoea Mixture [(Children) (Guy Hospital)] (prepared 
chalk, co. chalk powder, tinct. catechu, chloroform, water— 
Amer. Druggist). 

Dobells Sol. (Comp’d Sol. of Sodium Borate, N. F.) 

Dodson’s Remedy (accetanilid, caffein, ac. salicyl., pot. 
brom.) 

Drake’s Plantation Bitters (St. Croix rum. Was 33.2% 
alcohol). 

Dr. Don’s Kola [a flavoring extract for soft drinks] (co¬ 
cain, caffein, phosphoric acid). 

Dr. Elder’s Celebrated Tobacco Specific [“Cures smoking, 
chewing, cigarette and Snuff Dipping Habits in 3 to 5 days”] 
(analysis showed contained cocaine, strychnin, cinchona, 
etc.) 

Dr. Fahrney’s Teething Syrup (morphin, alcohol, chloro¬ 
form). 

Dr. James’ Soothing Syrup (heroin). 

Dr. Moffett’s Teethina; Teething Powders (opium, calomel, 
etc.) 

Dr. Seelye’s Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla (pot. iod., 
small amount plant extractives, aromatics, coloring matter, 
sugar, alcohol, water—A.M.A., 1919). 

Elliman’s Royal Embrocation (oil turpentine, oM thyme, 
oil amber, caustic soda, soap). 

Embalming Fluids (one or more of the following: zir.D 
chlorid, arsenic, formaldehyde, carbolic acid, camphor or 
tannin; etc. (Sometimes contain thymol, potassium bichro¬ 
mate, carbonate, nitrate or sulphate). 

Ergot Apiol Compound [capsules Ergot Apiol Compound. 
Apiol 5 min., Oil Savin V 2 min.; Ergotin 1 gr., Aloin % gr.’ 
(Analysis: 50% cotton seed oil and resins from apiol and 
oil of savin.—A. M. A., Aug., 1920.) 

Every Woman’s Flesh Reducer (Epsom salt, camphor, 
alum, citric acid, sod. carb.) 

Extract of Opium (19-21% morphin—U. S., Brit.) 

Femenina (alcohol, sugar, water, perhaps some valerian 
—A.M.A., 1919). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248k 


Firwein (bromin, iodin, phosphorus). 

Fitzkure (ammon. brom., pot. brom., pot. iodid, pot. 
citrat.) 

Foramint (not a def. chem. compound. Use may be unsafe.— 
A. M. A.) 

Ford’s Laudanum (A tr. of opium with cinnamon and 
cloves). 

Fruit-a-Tives [(essentially, extracts of nux vomica 
(strych.) and cinchona bark (quinin)—A.M.A., 1920)]. 

Fruit Preservative for Canning- (boric acid 94.3%, benzoic 
acid 0.4%, sodium chloride 5.3%—Ewe in Amer. Druggist). 

Get Slim (tartaric acid, citric acid). 

Get Well Tablets (asgtanilid, codein, belladonna). 

Gloria Tonic (pot. iodid, gudiac, resin, licorice). ' 

Glyco Heroin (Smith) (heroin, hyoscyamus, ammon. 
hypophos., tolu, white pine bark, glycerin, alcohol.—1914). 

Glyco-Thymoline (borax, sod. salicyl., sod. benzoate.— 
1914). 

Garfield Tea (chiefly senna and crushed couch-grass— 
Oleson, from New Idea, 1903). (Later—1917-18—also valva, 
mallow flowers, and fruits, and mint stems; perhaps manna.' 
Sassafras, pot. carb., alcohol). See Mist. Sassf.—N. F. 

Go To Sleep (sulphonal). 

Green’s Dropsy Remedy (boluses: apparently powdered 
squill; tablets; apparently dried ferrous sulphate.) 

Green Mountain Herb Tea (esentially, senna, fennel, elder 
flow r ers, anise, triticum, sassafras, Amer. saffron, coriander, 
licorice root, butternut bark, buckthorn, Epsom salt— 
A.M.A., 1920. 

Greene’s Nervura (alcohol 18%; celery, ginger, etc.) 

Gregory’s Antiseptic Oil (kerosene oil, oil of cloves, cas¬ 
sia and sassafras, a trace of camphor and pepper resins— 
A.M.A., 1920). 

Gude’s Pepto-Mangan (“water 81.17%; alcohol (by weight) 
13.25; organic matter 17.98; ash 0.85; iron oxid 0.41; man¬ 
ganese oxid 0.16; total nitrogen 0.16; ammonia nitrogen 
0.12.”—Conn. Rept., 1908.) 

Haarlem Oil (oils of amber, turpentine, flaxseed, Barba- 
does, tar; balsam of sulphur). 

Hale’s Honey of Horehound and Tar (Mfrs. claimed be¬ 
fore June ,1906, alcohol 13%; opium 5/13 gr. per fl. oz. June, 
since Mar., 1910, alcohol 13%; no opiates.—Mfrs. Letters to 
1506, to Mar., 1910, alcohol 13%; codein % gr. per fl. oz.; 
Street, Dec. 3, 1914). 

Hamburg Drops (aloes, saffron, tr. myrrh.—Oleson, 1903). 

Hamlin’s Wizard Oil (Spt. camph., 1 fl. oz.; spt. ammon.; 
chloroform, oil sassafras, oil turpentine, each 4 fl. dr., oil 
cloves, 2 fl. dr., alcohol, q. s., to make 5 fl. oz.—Hiss, 1912). 

Happy Life Pills (aloin, capsicum, starch). 

Harper’s Brane-Fude (Cuforhedake) (caffein, antipyrin, 
acetanilid, bromides potassium and sodium, alcohol 24.2). 

Harrison’s Opium Cure (opium 5%, alcohol 19.72%.—'Idaho 
Rept., 1912.) 

Health Grains (quartz sand, 87.5; rock candy and syrup, 
12.5.—A. M. A., 1909.) 

Hepatola (powder: seidlitz powder; liquid: olive oil col¬ 
ored with a coal tar dye and slightly flavored with pepper¬ 
mint—A.M.A., 1920). 

Hill’s Laxative Quinine Tablets (acetanilid, 1.9 grs.; qui¬ 
nin, caffein, tannic acid and a veg. cathartic.—1915). 

Hodnett’s Gem Soothing Syrup (opium 4.8 grs. per fl. oz., 
alcohol, 4%.—1910). 

Holloway’s Pills (aloes, ginger, soap). 

Home Doctor Backache and Kidney Pills (magnesia 8; 
powd. capsicum, 20; pot. nitrat, 26; oil juniper 3; soap. 1; 
sugar, 17; starch, gum and water, q. s. to make 100.—More 
Sec. Rem., Br. Med. Assn., 1912). 


2481 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Hood’s Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla (4 4/10 grains 
potassium iodid per fluid ounce; 16^ to 18% of alcohol). 

Hood’s Vegetable Pills (aloin, ginger, capsicum, colocynth, 
soap and probably jalap.—M. S. R., Br. Med. Assn., 1912). 

Hooper’s Anodyne, The Infant’s Friend (morphin). 

Hooper’s (Dr. John) Female Pills (iron, senna canella, 
jalap, oil pennyroyal 2 drops in 100 pills.—M. S. R., Br. Med. 
Assn., 1912). 

Hop Bitters (reported 12%-20% alcohol). 

Hostetter’s Bitters (Diluted alcohol 4 gals.; Peruvian 
Bark, gentian, columbo and calamus roots, orange peel, rhu¬ 
barb, cinnamon, cloves and sugar totalling about 26 ozs.; 
also reported 25 to 44.3% alcohol). 

Human Ease (lard 95.5%; baking soda 1.6%; Glauber salt, 
0.2%; saltpeter 1.9%; oil sassafras.—A. M. A., 1916). 

Hunjadi Janos Water (sodium sulphate, magnes. sulph., 
calc, chlorid, calc, sulphate, sodium carb., sodium chlorid, 
potass, sulphate; varies in content of potassium sodium and 
calcium salts.—From Drug. Circ.) 

Hunter’s Red Drops (corrosive sublimate, muriatic acid). 

Hydras (hydrastin, cramp bark, helonias, Scutellaria and 
dogwood; alcohol 24%; aromatics.—A. M. A., 1916). 

Hyomei (Booth’s) (oil eucalptus 80; alcohol 10; liquid par¬ 
affin, 10, creosote, small amt., wood tar, possibly 0.2.—Br. 
Med. Assn., 1912). 

Hymosa (acid salicyl., sodium salicyl., pot. iodid.—A. M. 
A., 1910). 

Injection Brou (similar formula said to contain: lead acet¬ 
ate, zinc sulphate, tincture catechu, cocain. Another formula 
gives opium instead of cocain). 

Invigoroids (nux vomica, zinc, phosphid, iron carb., asafe- 
tida.—Br. Med. Assn., 1912). 

Iodex (“5% iodin, and free idoin claimed” by mfrs. ‘Todin 
content only about 3%.” “Free iodin not present in ap¬ 
preciable amounts.” (‘Use Ung: Iodi. U. S. P. for free iodin 
oint.’—A. M. A., 1920). 

Jad Salts (principally sod. phosph., pot. and sod. bicarbon¬ 
ates, citric and tartaric acids, and very small amount hexa- 
methylenamin.—Wiley, 1914). 

Japanese Drops (chloroform, 68 min.; oil cloves, 68 min* 
oil peppermint, 68 min.; camphor, 62 grs.; carbolic acid, 208 
min. per fl. oz.—No. Dak. Rept., 1908). 

Jarabe de Ambrozoin (terpin hydrate, menthol, benzoic 
acid, ammon. chlorid, sodium bromide, glycerine, alcohol, 
sugar, water—A.M.A., 1920). 

Jaynes Alterative (similar formula said to contain: tartar 
emetic, digitalis, camphor, opium, lobelia), (or epsom salt 
table salt, molasses, glycerin, sarsap. ext., 25% alcohol). 

Kampfmueller’s Rheumatic Remedy (pot. iodid, plant ex¬ 
tractives, alcohol, water—A.M.A., 1920). 

Katarno [The new name for the old Peruna.] ‘‘The alco¬ 
holic preparation with practically negligible medicament ”_ 

Br. Med. Assn. 

Kickapoo Indian Oil (camphor; oils of turpentine pepper¬ 
mint, wintergreen; tincture capsicum; alcohol). 

Kilmer’s Swamp Root (alcohol 10%; sugar, salicylic acid 
water, etc.). 

Kilo-Tobac (Bottle: aq. sol. silver nit., 1%. Box* pepper 
nux vom„ a silicate, piperin, strychnin, brucin —No Dak’ 
Spec. Bull., 1914). 

Kline’s Great Nerve Restorer (bromides of ammonium 
and potassium). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248m 


Koenig s Nerve Tonic (pot. brom., 30 sod. brom., 30; ammon. 
brom., 10; ext. viburn, prunif., 10; co. tr. valer., 130; glycerin, 
30; water, 430 parts). 

Koko^ (borax, glycerin, formaldehyd, alcohol). 

Kopp’s Baby’s Friend (analysis showed Vt grs. morphin in 
1 fluid ounce of the preparation—Analys., 1905. “Alcohol 8.5%, 
morph, sulph. % gr. to oz.”—1916, 

Kornol (collodion with ac. salicyl in alcohol and ether.—• 
Dr. Wiley). 

Kutnow’s Improved Effervescent Powder (claims to be 
composed of ingredients of celebrated Carlsbad spring— 
tartaric acid not present in natural Carlsbad water. A Ger¬ 
man analysis of Kutnow’s: Tartaric acid, 43.60; carbon di- 
oxid, 14.27; sulphuric anhydrid, 4.27; sodium oxid, 20.39; po¬ 
tassium oxid, 8.89; chlorin, 1.82.—A. M. A., 1907). 

Laird’s Rheumatism Formula (pot. iod., 120 grs.; sod. 
salicyl., 60 grs.; Rochelle salt, 1 oz.; wine colch. seed, 1 oz.; 
tinct. guaiac, 1 oz.; water 4 oz.—A. M. A., 1915). 

Lambert’s Wine of Coca (cocain). 

Lane’s Brain Relief (acetanilid, alcohol). 

Laudanum (Brit.) (Strength 1 gr. in 14 min.) 

Laxaphen (phenolphthalein, acid salicyl.) 

Laxative Bromo Quinine (phenacetin 2.19 grs. per tablet. 
—Ind. Bd. Hlth, 1915). 

Laxative Quinine Tablets (contain acetanilid). 

Laxatol (phenolphthalein). 

Lightning Hot Drops (chloroform (48 drops to the oz.), ether, 
capsicum, alcohol 60%—Report Journ., A. M. A., 1916-18). 

Lindley’s Golden Remedy (ammon. potass., and sodium 
bromids). 

Liquid Extract of Opium (Brit.) (22 gr. ext. opium in an 
ounce). 

Listerine (similar to Liquor Antisepticus, U. S. P.—boric 
acid, benzoic acid, thymol, eucalyptol, oil peppermint, oil 
wintergreen, oil thyme, alcohol, purif. talc., water). 

Louisenbad Reduction Salt (Queen of Beauty) (2/3 sod. 
sulph., 1/3 common salt.—Drug. Circ., 1915). 

Luxor (zinc oxid, boric acid). 

Lysol “Marketed in 1889; (obtained by boiling a mixture 
of heavy tar oils with fat or, resin and an alkali. It there¬ 
fore contains the alkali compds. of the cresols and of their 
superior homologues along with soaps.”—Witthaus.) 

Magic Eye Salve (zinc oxid, benzoic acid, petrolatum—■ 
A.M.A., 1918). 

Magic Toothache Gum (chloral, phenol, oil of cloves, wax, 
cotton, etc.—No. Dak. Rept., 1908). 

Make-Man Tablets (strychnin, arsenic, aloes, potassium 
sulphate, iron). 

Manola (alcohol (by vol) 18.00; sugar, glycerine, traces 
calcium, magnes., iron, sodium, arsenic.—A. M. A., 1913.) 

McCorrison’s Famous Diamond Lotion (corros. sublimate). 

McGraw’s Liquid Herbs of Youth (essentially: epsom salt, 
senna, red pepper, quassia, alcohol, water, wintergreen flavor 
—A.M.A.,‘1920). 

Methylene or Bichloride of Methylene (anesthetio of chlor¬ 
oform, and methylic alcohol 20%). 

Mendenhall’s Number 40 for the Blood (pot. iodid, ammon. 
acet., cathartic resins, licorice, glycerin, sugar, alcohol, 
water—A.M.A., 1920). 

Mexican Oil (opium). 

Mile’s Restorative Nervine (bromids, benzoic acid). 

Modoc Oil (approx., benzine, 75 c.c.; methyl salicyl, 4.5 c.c.; 
oil sassafras, 6 c.c.; chloroform 0.2 c.c.; oil turpentine q. s. to 
make 100 c.c.—No. Dak. Rept., 1912). 

Mother’s Friend (opium); another, of Atlanta (soap, oil). 


248n 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Muller’s Famous Prescription (potass iodid, colchicin—1917). 
Munyon’s Kidney Cure [pills] (found to contain nothing but 
ordinary white sugar—A. M. A., Journ., 1907). 

Munyon’s Special Liquid Blood Cure (corros. sublim., 0.42; 
pot. iodid, 50.78). 

Musterole (oil of mustard 1.67; menthol; appar. camphor. 
A fatty base such as lard 89.17.—Conn. Rept., 1915-16).— 
(“Apparently contains wool fat as fatty base.”) 

Nepenthe (of about same strength as laudanum, and said 
to contain glucose and sherry wine). 

Neurosine (Mfr. claims for each fl. ounce: bromides of 
potassium, sodium, ammonium each 40 grs.; zinc bromid, 1 
gr.; ext. lupulin, 32 gr.; fl. ext. cascara sag., 40 min.; ext. 
henbane, 0.075 gr.; ext. bellad., 0.075 gr.; ext. cannab. Ind., 
0.600 gr.; oil bitter almonds, 0.060 gr.; aromatic elixirs—A. 
M. A., 1915). 

Newbro’s Herpicide (wood alcohol, 44% to 52%; salicyl. 
acid, borax.—No. Dak. Bull., 1916). 

Newell Rheumatic Tablets (common salt, 20; sal ammon¬ 
iac, 80) 

New Skin (flexible collodion with amyl, acetate.—Wiley, 
1914). 

No-To-Bac (possibly licorice, gentian, ammon. chlorid and 
ginger made into mass with glycerin, tragacanth and syrup. 
—Oleson, 1903). 

Novocaine (“Local anesthetic similar in action to cocaine 
but said to be less toxic than other cocaine substitutes.” 
For infiltration anesthesia, 4 grains in 3 1/5 ounces normal 
salt sol., with 5 drops of 1:1,000, epinephrine sol. added se¬ 
cures sustained anesthetic effect.) (See Procain.) 

Nurito (phenolphthalein, 6; pyramidon, 60; milk sugar, 34. 
—A. M. A., 1912). 

Nuxated Iron (iron 1/100 gr., nux vomica alkaloids 1/1000 
gr. in one tablet; aromatics). 

Nyal’s Coca Wine (contained cocain.—Mass. Bd. Hlth., 
1907). 

Nyal’s Compound Extract of Damiana (contained cocain— 
1910). 

Nyal’s Compound Laxative Fig Syrup (epsom salt, veget. 
extractives). 

Nval’s Soothing Syrup (sod. bromid 16 grs. per fl. oz.; 
lupulin, ext. fennel?). 

Oil of Life (Joy of the World) (raw linseed oil, with oils 
of sassafras, hemlock, origanum, cedar, and gum camphor in 
solution.—No. Dak. Rept., 1910). 

Osborne’s Mixture for Epilepsy (pot. brom., 166 grs. in 1 
oz.—Brit. Med. Assn.) 

Paine’s Celery Compound (alcohol 19% to 21% and vari¬ 
ous seeds, roots, barks, leaves; chamomile flowers, pot. ni¬ 
trate, glycerine, sugar). 

Palpebrine (morph, sulph., zinc sulph., corros. sublim., 
boric acid, salicylic acid). 

Pantopon (mixture of hydrochlorids of various opium al¬ 
kaloids). 

Pape’s Cold Compound (acetanilid, 13.1; phenolphthalein, 
15.1). 

Paregoric (Paregoric Elixir—Brit.); 1 gr. in about y 2 oz.) 
Petit’s Eye Salve (morphinl. 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


243o 


Peacock’s Bromides (mfr. states: bromids of potassium, 
sodium, ammonium, calcium, lithium 15 grs. per fl. drm.; al¬ 
cohol 10%). 

Pebeco Tooth Paste (pot. chlorate, calc, carb., soap, methyl 
salicyl., menthol.—Wiley). 

Peeble’s Brain Restorative for Epilepsy (“Solution of am¬ 
monium, sodium and potassium bromids, combined with an 
alcoholic preparation of valerian, flavored with oil of bitter 
almond.”—1911). 

Perfection Cold Tablets (camphor, salicyl. acid, aloes, qui- 
nin.—Kan. Bd. Hlth., 1910). 

Perry’s Magic Remedy for Rheumatism (water, alcohol, 
solution of oil wintergreen and pot. iodid). 

Perspiro (Ac. salicyl., ac. boric.—A. M. A. 1908). 

Perspi-No. (boric acid, 20; ac. salicyl, 22; calc, carb., 10; 
talc., 42). 

ky). In 1906 owner notified to put some medicine in the 
preparation, or it could be sold only where liquor license 
was carried. A laxative was added; but that appeared to 
have materially injured its sale. Therefore later announced: 
“Old Peruna (now called Ka-tar-no) and sold as an alcoholic 
beverage.” [Alcoholic strengths: whiskey, bottled in bond, 
50%; champagne 9 to 12%; claret 5 to 12%; beer 2 V 2 to 5, 
etc. %.] 

Pheno-Bromate (acetanilid, 50; pot. bromid, 50). 

Pike’s Liver, Kidney and Stomach Remedy (an acid astrin¬ 
gent solution; essentially: Epsom salt, ferric chloride, arsen¬ 
ous acid, hydrochloric acid, coloring matter, water.—A. M. 
A., July, 1920). 

Pink Pills (iron sulphate, sodium or potassium, carbonate, 
licorice). 

Pierce’s Favorite Prescription (opium, digitalis, savin). 

Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery (opium, podophyllin. 
guaiac) or, (mfr. claims: golden seal root, queen’s root, stone 
root, black cherry bark, blood root, mandrake root, glycerin, 
borax, water). 

Pierce’s Smart Weed (opium). 

Pinkham’s (Lydia) Vegetable Compound (Said to closely 
resemble infusion or decoction of “life everlasting” plant; 
15 to 20% alcohol). (Alcohol 16.32% by vol.), glycerin, 
lovage or angelica and possibly aloes or aloin and tansy: 
etc.—Conn. Rept., 1916). 

Plant Juice (alcohol (by vol.) 20%; glucose, aloes, licor¬ 
ice and possibly small amounts cascara or senna; etc.—A. 
M. A., 1916. 

Plantation Sarsaparilla (pot. iod., alcohol—A.M.A., 1918). 

Platt’s Chlorides (approximately: chlorides of aluminum, 
calcium, hydrogen, lead, mercury, sodium, zinc and alumi¬ 
num sulphate). 

Pluto Concentrated Spring Water (sulphates of calcium, 
magnesium, sodium; common salt, magnes. carb.) 

Poslam (zinc oxid, sulphur, acid salicylic, oil of tar, men¬ 
thol, corn starch, and probably petrolatum; perhaps lanolin 
and soft paraffin). 

Procain (Novocaine) commonly used in 1% sol., etc., as 
local anesthetic). 

Prunoids (phenolphthalein. cascara sagrada, slight quan. 
prunes, de-emetinized ipecac). 

Pulmonol (potassium guaiacol sulphonate, 5.7; sod. ben- 
zoat, 2.1; strych. sulph., 0.008). 

Queen Bee Injection .eocain, zinc, magnesium, sulphates, 
traces potassium and sodium, glycerin.—La. Bd. Hlth. Rept., 
1914-15). 


248p 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Radway’s Ready Relief (watery alcoholic solution of 
oleoresin, capsicum, camphor and ammonia. 

Radway’s Renovating Resolvent (potassium iodid). 

Rat Exterminator (barium chloride, calcium sulphate, 
corn meal, or similar starchy meal—Ewe, in Amer. Druggist.) 

Ree’s Cholera Mixture (opium, chloroform, cloves). 

Reave’s Embrocation (olive oil, aqua ammonia, oil origan¬ 
um, Goulard’s lead extract). 

Rexall Cold Tablets (phenacetin, 1 gr. per tablet.—ilnd. B. 
H„ 1915). 

Rexall Dyspepsia Tablets (mfr. claims pepsin, rhubarb, 
magnesia, bismuth, oil of cassia.—Street). 

Rexall Gastric Tablets (mfr. claims aloin, gentian and 
capsicum.—Street). 

Rheumacide (antipyrin, salol, citric acid, aspirin). 

Richie Drug Habit Cure (morphin, sulph., salicyl. acid, 
pepsin). 

Rival Herb Tablets (essentially: aloes, podophyllum res¬ 
ins. capsicum, buchu and plant extractives: coated with cal¬ 
cium carbonate and sugar although labeled “chocolate 
coated.”—A. M. A., Aug., 1920.) 

Roche’s Embrocation (oils of cloves, lemon, amber, olives); 
(also: “asafetida, alkanet, olive oil; oils of caraway, turpen¬ 
tine, wintergreen, pine needles, bergamot.”) 

Sabine’s Indian Vegetable Tea (similar to Green Mountain 
Herb Tea). 

Sage’s Catarrh Remedy (golden seal, borax, salt). 

St. Jacob’s Oil (chloral 1 oz., chloroform 1 oz., ether 1 oz., 
tr. opium ^oz., camphor 1 oz., oils of origanum and sassa¬ 
fras y 2 oz. each, alcohol % gal.), or, (ether, turpentine, car¬ 
bolic acid, capsicum, aconite, origanum, alcohol). 

Sal Hepatica (sodium sulphate 26.27 parts, sodium phos¬ 
phate 29.80 parts, sodium bicarbonate 18 parts, lithium phos¬ 
phate 4/100 part, salt 13.05 parts, citric and tarartic acids 
sufficient to make 100 parts.) Said to be intended to imi¬ 
tate Carlsbad salt. 

Sal-Sano (essentially :table salt, sod. phos., baking soda, 
Glauber’s salt—A.M.A., 1920). 

Sanatogen (“Casein makes up about 95% of the prepara¬ 
tion.” Casein is commonly known as the curd, in milk, or 
as cottage cheese.) 

Sanford’s Woman’s Friend (pot. permang., alum, zinc 
sulph.; lead acetate?). 

Sanitas Disinfecting Fluid (terpenes, hydrogen dioxid 
present; chlorides, trace.—No. Dak. Bull., 1913). 

Sanitol (An analysis showed salol, menthol, alcohol, for- 
maldehyd; perhaps common plantain present). 

Saprol (“contains 40% of cresols”—Witthaus). 

Schenck’s Pulmonic Syrup (wormwood, catnip, tansy, 
hoarhound. hops, hyssop, chamomile, comfrey, elecampane, 
senega—wintergreen). 

Scotch Oats Essence (morphine 2 gr. to bottle; 35% 
alcohol). 

Scotch Paregoric (ammoniated tincture of opium), (90 
min. equivalent to 1 gr. opium). 

Sealeaf Emulson (cod liver oil, malt extract, chocolate, 
alcohol, aromatics, water—A.M.A., 1920). 

Seawright Water (“the water consisted in part of a filthy 
and decomposed vegetable substance.”—A.M.A., 1919). 

Seelye’s Laxa-Tena (essentially laxative plant material, 
sugar, alcohol, water—A.M.A., 1919). 

Seelye’s Wasa-Tusa (ammonia, chloroform, camphor, cap¬ 
sicum, aromatics, alcohol, water—A.M.A., 1919). 


KEY TO CONSTITUENTS 


248q 


Seigel’s (Mother) Curative Syrup (aloes, capsicum, dil. 
acid hydrochlor, molasses, water.—Br. Med. Assn., 1909). 

Seven Seals, or Golden Wonder (ether 4, chloroform 6, 
camphor 4, tr. capsicum 35, oil peppermint 32, alcohol 50- 
90%). 

Silex (sand 98.5%, baking soda, cayenne pepper.—Kan. 
Bd. Hlth. Bull., 1910). 

Simpson’s Rat Paste (40% arsenous acid). 

Skin Success Ointment (red mercuric oxid.—Mass. Bd. 
Hlth. Kept., 1898). 

Steedman’s Soothing Powders (calomel 27; sugar 22; corn 
starch 50.5.—Brit. Med. Assn., 1909). 

Stuart’s Specific Drops (a turpentine solution of camphor, 
alcohol and mercuric iodid). 

Sukro-Serum (“not a ‘serum’ in the ordinary sense, but 
apparently it is a solution of ordinary sugar (sucrose)”— 
A.M.A., 1920). 

Swift’s Syphilitic (or “Sure”) Specific (S. S. S.) (cupric 
sulphate, roots of the fringe tree, prickly ash, white sumac, 
red sumac and sarsaparilla); alcohol 15%. 

Syrup Cocillana Compound (heroin hydrochl., etc.), or, 
(mfs. claim per fl. oz.; Tr. euphorb. pilulif., 120 min.; syr. 
wild lettuce, 120 min., tr. cocillana, 40 min., syr. squill co., 
24 min., cascarin, 8 grs.; heroin hydrochl., 8/24 gr.; menthol, 
8/100 gr.—See Pk. Davis & Co.). 

Syrup of Figs (Purging action due to senna and not to 
figs. Found to be 25% an elixir of senna and 6% of alcohol. 
In U. S. had to add to the title of “Syrup of Figs,” also the 
words “and Elixir of Senna,” because of the American Food 
and Drugs Act.) 

Syrup of Poppies (British); (originally a preparation from 
poppy capsules; now usually a variable mixture of laudanum 
and syrup). 

Tanlac (formerly “Cooper’s New Discovery”) (A wine to 
which has been added gentian, buckthorn (or rhubarb or 
cascara), a berberin bearing drug, glycyrrhizic acid and 
glycerin, flavored with wild cherry, alcohol (by vol.) 15.70.” 
“Berberin emodin, licorice, gentian and glycerine present; 
tartaric acid small amount.—A. M. A., 1915.) 

Taylor’s Horehound Balsam (codeia sulph., methyl sal- 
icyl., chloroform, camphor). 

Teething Powders (usually contain calomel 1 grain, Dov¬ 
er’s powder 2 grains, milk sugar 3 grains). 

Thieleman’s Cholera Mixture (opium, chloroform, ether, 
Ipecac, peppermint, alcohol). 

Thompson’s Eye Water (copper and zinc sulphates, spirit 
camphor, tincture saffron). 

Toilet Bowl Cleaner (sodium bisulphate and sodium 
chloride in, molec. propors. Added to water in bowl liber¬ 
ates Hcl. from Nacl. and cleanses bowl.—Ewe in Amer. 
Druggist). Sulphuric acid does it well.—A. H. B. 

Tongaline (essentially sod. salicyl. mixture). 

Tousley’s Sneezeless Snuff (morphin, menthol, borax, qui- 
nin.—Kan. H. B.) 

Trafton’s Balm of Life (potassium iodid, opium). 

Tucker’s Fever Drops (alcohol 29%; camphor, glycerin, 
tinct. opium 1.7 min. per fl. oz.; .1 min. ipecac). 

Tutt’s Pills (calomel, aloes, starch, sugar) 

Unguentine (zinc oxid, aluminum acetate, phenol, aromatic 
oils, petrolatum). 


248r 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Unguentum Mirabile (red mercuric oxide, camphor, boric 
acid, etheral oil of beech, petrolatum, spermaceti, olive oil— 
Rept. de Pharm., in Amer. Druggist). 

Van Buskirk’s Sozodont (soap, red sanders, oil winter- 
green, water, alcohol). 

Vapo Cresolene (appears to be “essentially cresols and cor¬ 
responds in every respect to cresol of the U. S. P.”—A.M.A. 
1908). 

Var-ne-sis (alcoholic sol. [15-18%] containing less than 1% 
of vegetable drug extracts, chiefly derived from emodin-yielding 
(laxative) drugs and capsicum.—Conn, Rpt., etc., 1915-18.) 

Varnesis “Extra Laxative” (Mag. Sulph. 15.07 reducing 
sugars, licorice and rhubarb or cascar.—N. H. Bd. Hlth., 
1916.) 

Verandah Chem. Co.—Aspirin Tablets [“Acetyl. Salicylic 
Acid, Aspirin”] [“Aspirin 5 gr.”] (Containing no aspirin; 
contained ac. salicylic, corn starch, talc, milk sugar, calc, 
carb., and a small amount of sod. citrat.—A.M.A., 1919). 

Veronal Tablets (should be dissolved before being admin¬ 
istered). Fatal effects from as little as 15 grains of the 
drug. 

Vin Mariani (cocain.—Mass. Bd. Hlth, 1907). (A mixture 
of Bordeaux wine and an alcoholic extract of decocainized 
coca leaves.—Conn. Rept., 1915). 

Vinol (alcohol ,by vol.), 18.69; oxids of iron, sodium and 
potassium; phosphoric acid; dextrose; glycerin., etc.—Conn. 
Rept., 1914.) 

Walker’s Vinegar Bitters (golden seal 1 oz., cape aloes 
y 2 oz., water 16 oz.; also reported 61% alcohol). 

Warner’s Safe Cure [or Remedy] (salt petre, liverwort, 
wintergreen, bugle weed, alcohol, glycerine, etc.). 

Waterman Institute Morphine Cure (alcohol, morph, 
sulph., 13.7 gr. to 16 grs. per fl. ounce.—1912). 

Watkin’s Anodyne (heroin). 

White’s Elixir (tartar emetic, camphor, opium). 

Wilson’s Compound Sarsaparilla (5.1% alcohol; molasses). 

[Journal Amer. Med. Ass’n, (May, 1912): “It is extremely 
improbable that there is any therapeutic value in sarsapar¬ 
illa.”] 

Wilson’s Original Wahoo Bitters (Epsom salt, salicyl. acid, 
sassafras, gentian, prickly ash—1917). 

Wilson’s Solution Anti Flu (oil of euclaptus, methyl sali¬ 
cyl. and a small amount of thymol or oil of thyme.—A. M. 
A., Aug., 1920.) 

Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup (morphin, essence of anise, 
syrup of balsam of tolu, etc.) “No longer contains opiates. 
Now apparently a mixture of carminatives and laxatives.” 
“Winslow’s Soothing Syrup” (“For years contained mor¬ 
phin” and still found in preparations in U. S. market in 
1912). (Finally, in Great Britain, potassium bromid substi¬ 
tuted for the opiate, but alcohol was still present.) 

Woodbury’s Standard Rheumatic Salts (aspirin). 

Wooley’s Cure for Alcoholism (morphin). 

Wright’s Instant Relief (opium). 

Zaegel’s Essence (alcohol, water, sugar, a laxative and a 
saponin—A.A.M., 1920). 

Zemo (alcohol (by vol.) 28.35%, methyl salicyl, thymol, 
borax, tannic acid, glycerin, menthol, phenol-like bodies 
present.—A. M. A. Journ., 1915). 


KEY—SUPPLEMENT 


248s 


KEY—SUPPLEMENT 

Absorbit (Boric acid, 18 parts; magnes carb.» 40 parts; 
alum, 10 parts; calcium carb., 22 parts.—Ind. State Bd Hlth.) 

“Andrews’ Wine of Life Root or Female Regulator” (fed¬ 
eral chem. analys. = 14% alcohol, sugar, methyl salicyl., 
tannin); and the “Annex Powders” (“composed of almost equal 
parts of common salt and baking soda with a small amount 
of washing soda”). 

Apothesine Local anesthetic similar to procaine (which is 
similar in action to cocaine but less and feebly toxic and 
having unsustained action, which is remedied by injecting 
epinephrine simultaneously), but slower in action. Used with 
1 to 100,000 epinephrine usually; on cornea or by injection or 
anesthesia, in 1 to 2%. Subcutaneously, for complete anesthesia, 
in 4% sol. Is practically non-toxic and not injured by boiling 
solutions. 

Bad-Em-Salz (salt, Glauber salt, baking soda, tartaric 
acid.—Anal, federal chemists.) 

Black’s Pulmonic Syrup (water-alcohol sol. of ichthyol, 
glycerin and sugar.—Govt, analysis, 1916.) 

Bovinine (a blood preparation containing 11% alcohol and 
over 6% glycerin.—A. M. A., 1917-1918). 

Calocide (salt, borax, alum, tannin.—State Chemists, Conn.) 

Calocide (common salt, about 22.44%; borax, about 37.58%; 
alum, about 39.35%; tannin, a small amount. 

Chichester’s English Pennyroyal Pills (now called Chi¬ 
chester’s Diamond Brand Pills) (appar. aloes and iron sul¬ 
phate.—Journ. A. M. A.; 1911). 

Collargol (colloidal silver); (used as germicide and antiseptic 
in gonorrhoeal ophthalmia, etc. 

Constituents: Common principal constituents of certain 

varieties of patent medicines are: 

“Headache cures: Acetanilid, antipyrin, phenacetin, or some 
similar drug. 

“Female weakness cures”; also various “tonics”: Alcohol; 
perhaps an alkaloid of nux vomica, or some vegetable bitter; 
frequently, also colored and flavored. 

“Epilepsy cures”: Bromids. 

“Diuretics: Often with some disease-aggravating kidney irri¬ 
tant, for the self treatment of kidney disease; also for diabetes— 
with endeavor to foster the common fallacy that diabetes is a 
kidney disease instead of a nutritional affection. 

D. D. D. (chloral hydrate, 2 gr.; [rr chloral rash?] alcohol 
28%, to oz.—U. S.). (ac. salicyl 0.75; ac. carbol 1.18; ol. gaulth, 
1.00; glycerin 9.28; alcohol 65.10; water 22.69.—Chemists, Brit. 
Med. Assn.) 

Dial “Ciba.” Action similar to barbital (veronal), as sedative 
and hypnotic. Dose not to exceed 7 grs. in 24 hrs. 

Disinfectant Krelos-Mulford (a sol. of cresols and rosin soap). 

Doan’s Kidney Pills (oil of juniper, pot. nitrate, hemlock pitch, 
powd. fenugreek, etc.—Anal, chemists, Brit. Med. Assn.) 

Doan’s Kidney Pills (“oil of juniper, potassium nitrate; 
powdered fenugreek seeds and wheat and maize (corn) 
starches.”—From analysis by British Medical Ass’n.) 

Dr. Carter’s K. & B. Tea (senna, liverwort, wintergreen 
leaves, juniper berries, with buchu. and boneset leaves, and 
possibly uva ursi.—Anal., N. & Q.—Cramp). 


248t 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Dr. D. Kennedy’s Favorite Remedy (alcohol 18%, sugar 
50%, pot. acetate, methyl salicy, aloes, licorice, oil sassafras. 
—Analys., federal chemists). 

Dr. Grove’s Anodyne for Infants (Essentially a sugar 
syrup, flavored with oil of spearmint and containing 1-7 gr. 
morphin sulph. to each fid. oz.—A. M. A., 1919). 

Dr. Gunn’s Pain Expeller (alcohol 50-60% and 1% to 1 % 
grs. opium to oz.; camphor and capsicum.—N. Dakato Agric. 
Experm. Sta., 1911). 

Dr. Gun’s Pain Expeller (opium.—Col. State Bd. Hlth., 
1909). (Alcohol, 50-60%, 1 y 5 to 1 % grs. opium to the ounce; 
camphor and capsicum present.—N. Dakota Agric. Exp’mt. 
Station, 1911; N. & Q.—Cramp). 

Dr. Pierce’s Anuric Tablets (acetate, carbonate, chlorid, 
iodid, phosphate, salicylate, ammonia, calcium, iron, potas¬ 
sium, sodium, emodin, aloin, quinin, hexamethylenamin and 
sugar—apparently also Canadian hemp, queen of the meadow; 
etc.—Chem, Lab. Journal, A. M. A.—1917.) 

“Alcohol for Kidney Diseases: Of course is contra-indicated 
in inflammatory diseases of the kidney. Potassium is a kidney 
irritant and it would tend to aggravate any inflammation that 
might exist.” 

“The popular idea that urinary sediments and pain in the 
lower part of the back mean kidney diseases, while false, 
is assiduously cultivated by certain patent medicine makers, 
to frighten and sell.” 

Duffy’s Malt Whiskey (“Alcohol, syrup for smoothness and 
coloring matter”; or, “whiskey of a very poor quality”; or, 
“whiskey, with a little cane sugar added to it.”—Anal, rept., 
1912). 

E-Lep-Tine (sod. and pot. bromides 16%, alcohol 6%, ammon. 
valerate.—Indiana State Bd. Hlth.) 

Enteronol (“essentially: alum, camphor, ginger, red pep¬ 
per, tannic acid and phenolphthalein.”) 

Exelento-Quinine Pomade (petrolatum—“vaseline”) 91.84%; 
liquid paraffin with trace of oil of gaultheria 6.18%; sulphur 
1.29%—other subs., including trace of quinin, 0.098%.—La. state 
chemists—circ. 1918). 

Father John’s Medicine (essentially a cod liver oil emul¬ 
sion.—Conn. State Chems., 1911). 

Fruitatives (appar. similar char, and action as aloes 
strych., and belladoin—laxative pills.—Mod. from Journ. A. M. A., 

1917) . 

Garfield Tea (essent. senna leaf and triticum, valva— 
mallow—flowers and fruits and mint stems—perhaps manna. 
—Anal., A. M. A. Journ.—N. & Q.—Cramp, 1921). 

Gem Balsam (85% cottonseed oil, 15% oil of turpentine.— 
Anal. Bureau of Chem., U. S.) 

Get Slim (essentially: sugar colored pink; tartaric acid colored 
pink; baking soda, a white powder.—Lab. Jour. A. M. A.) (1914). 

Giles’ Germicide (analys. indie., oily mixt. of chiefly lin¬ 
seed oil, ether and camphor.—A. M. A., 1918; N. & Q.— 
Cramp.) 

Giles’ Germicide (linseed oil, ether, camphor.—Journ. A. M. A.. 

1918) . 

Green Mountain Oil or Magic Pain Destroyer (“essentially 
linseed oil 95%, with oil of sassafras, oil of thuja and oil 
of turpentine, with possibly small amounts of camphor.” — 
N. & Q.—Cramp; Med. Journ., A. M. A., 1915.) 


KEY—SUPPLEMENT 


248u 


Greenhalgh Diphtheria Remedy (essent. mixt. of "sulphur, 
borax, trace of starch, plant tissue carrying berberin, iron, 
aluminum and potassium, as sulphates and nitrates, with 
charcoal and traces of manganese dioxiod indicated."— 
Analys., N. & Q.—Cramp.) 

Gregory’s Antiseptic Oil (approx, kerosene oil 89%, with 
small amounts of oil of cloves, cassia and sassafras and a 
trace of camphor and pepper resins.—Anal., Bureau Chem.— 

N. & Q.—Cramp.—Journ., A. M. A., 1920). 

"Gonorrhea and Gleet 3-Day Cure” (analys. indie, sol. zinc 
sulph. and sulphocarbolate, boric acid, opium and hydrastin. 
—N. & Q.—Cramp.) 

Homenta (essent. menthol, thymol, ammonia, sugar 61% -f, 
alcohol 4.6%, water.—Journ. A. M. A., 1918—N. & Q.—Cramp). 

H. G. C. (aq. sol. borax and berberin. sulph.—Anal. U. S. 
Gov’t Chems.; N. & Q.—Cramp), 

Humphrey’s Pile Ointment Witch Hazel Oil (Compound). 
(“Essent. a camphor ointment on a lard base.”—Jour. A. M. 
A.—N. & Q. Cramp). 

Ice Mint (Borax, oil of peppermint or menthol.—Lab. Analys.— 
Report N. Y. Tribune in Ad-visor Dept., 1917). 

Jacob’s Liver Salt (sod. phosph., sodium sulphate, common 
salt with mixture washing soda and citric acid). Analys.— 
U. S. Gov’t reports). 

Kathairon (said to consist of: "Castor oil, 1 fl. oz.; Tr. 
Cantharides, 1 fl. dram.; Oil of Bergamot, % dram.; stronger 
ammonia water, 1 drop, alcohol enough to make 3 fl. ozs.; 
Oleson, 1903 quoting New Idea”); or, (oil of cloves and glycerin, 
with some methyl alcohol present in the mixture.—Prom Ind. 
Bd. of Health Report, 1913.) 

Kay’s Linseed Compound (chloroform, 1.07; alcohol, 4.30; 
sugar, 48; mucilage of decoction of linseed, 19; oil of anise, 
present; tolu and squill, small amounts; ipecacuanha alkaloids, 

O. 007; morphin alkaloid, 0.021.—Seer. Rem., 1909, 12.) 

Keller’s Flaxseedine (alcohol 4.6 per cent., gum and plant 
extracts, appar. syrup, flaxseed, molasses and senna.—Anal. 
Bur. Chem., 1914-15.) 

Keene’s One Night Cold Cure ("sugar-coated tablets colored 
with ferric oxid. Pill mass contains cinchonin sulphate 0.21 
gr.; acetanilid, 0.32 gr.; calcium carbonate, 0.25; gr.; starch, 
0.34 gr.; extractive and excipient, 0.87 gr. Manufacturer claims 
cascara, bromid, quinin, ipecac, camphor and bryonia. No 
bromid found, no quinin (except merest traces), no camphor, 
not more than a trace of cascara (if any), no ipecacuanha 
alkaloids; extract of bryonia may be present.—Seer. Rem., 
1909, 6.”) 

Kennedy’s Laxative Honey and Tar ("alcohol, sugar, syrup, 
pine, tar, codein, croton oil, salicylic acid, chloroform, oil of 
peppermint and oil of sassafras.”—Minn. D. and F. Dept. Rept., 
1907, 614, and No. Dak. Expt., Stat. Rept., 1906, pt. 2, 157). 

Kennedy’s Medical Discovery ("alcohol (by volume), 44.0; 
solids, 2.5; mandrake or similar drug, present.—No. Dak. Expt. 
Stat. Rept., 1907, p.. 2, 148.”) 

Kennedy’s Pinus Canadensis, Light. ("Later called ‘Abican.’ 
Claimed to be a non-alcoholic extract of Pinus Canadensis, to 
each fl. oz. of which is added 24 grs. each of potash alum 
and zinc sulphate, and 0.48 gr. of thymol. Analysis showed no 
tannin.—Jour. A. M. A., Feb. 13, 1915, 608.’’) 


248v 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY 


Kennedy’s Pinus Canadensis, Dark. (“Later called ‘Darpin.’ 

Claimed to be a non-alcoholic extract of Pinus Canadensis, 
to each fl. oz. of which is added 0.48 gr. of thymol. Analysis 
showed tannin.’’—Jour. A. M. A., 1915.) 

Kora-Konia (Mennen). (“Contains zinc stearate, 44%; talc., 
48%; magnesium carbonate, 5%; boric acid, 3%.”—Jour. A. M. 
A., 1916.) 

Kosine (approx., antipyrin 11 gr., ammon. brom. 100 gr., 
sod. brom. 31 gr.—Conn. S. A. Sta., 1914). 

Kroy Wen Ointment (Mfrs. formula claims carbolic acid 
(phenol), witch hazel, arnica, menthol, thymol, zinc ozid, oil 
of hemlock, oil of cajaput, oil of cade, sulphur, boric acid and 
base.—Conn. Rept., 1914, 302.’’) 

Kulux Compound (zinc oxid, 7%; bism. subcarb., 5%; glycerin, 
10%; water, 78%.—Ind. State Bd. Hlth.) 

Lafayette Mixture (“Formula: copaiba, 125 c.c.; Spt. nitrous 
ether, 125 c.c.; comp, tinct. lavender, 125 c.c.; sol. potassium 
hydroxid, 32 c.c.; syrup, 300 c.c.; acacia mucilage quan. suf. to 
make 1,000 c.c.’’—Jour. A. M. A., 1917.) 

La Sage Complexion Treatment [tablets and capsules to 
be used as wash] (essentially a weak sol. of soda, and 
borax; phenolphthalein to color.—From Lab. Analys.; Jour. 
A. M. A.—1914). 

Laxative Quinine Tablets (acetanilid 1.9 gr. per tablet; 
also quinin, caffein, tannic acid and veget. cath. drug.—From 
Analys. U. S. Bureau of Chemistry. 

Leonard Ear Oil (liquid petrolatum, ammonium oleate 
(soft soap) oleic acid, camphor, eucalyptol, alcohol, water.— 
Dept, of Hlth., City of N. Y., 1917-18). 

Leonard Ear Oil (“to all intenes and purposes liquid petro¬ 
latum with camphor, eucalyptol, etc., emulsified by aid of a 
soft soap produced from ammonia and oleic acid.”—From 
an analys.. Dept. Hlth., City of N. Y.) 

Lepso (bromids equiv to about 6.8 pot. brom in each fl. 
oz. = abt. 51 gr. pot. brom. to a dose.—A. M. A. Lab.— Journ., 
1915). 

Lucile Kimball home obesity treatment (Pink Pills = prin. 
red pepper, menthol and bitters). (Brown Tablets = aloin 
type of cathartic pill). (Powder rr soap, Epsom salt, and 
washing soda.—Dr. Wiley, Report, 1914). 

MacDonald’s Atlas Compound Famous Specific T7o. 18 
[pills] [“essentially: sodium sulphate (Glauber’s salt), sodium 
bicarbonate (baking soda), a laxative plant drug) (appar¬ 
ently aloes), ginger, small amount of phosphate, a trace of 
alkaloid and talc.” “The pills coated with starch, calcium 
carb. and sugar, and coating colored with fluorescin.”—Anal, 
federal chemists, 1916-17]. 

Marmola (approx, dried thyroid gland, phenolphthalein, 
sod. chlorid., powd. bladder-wrack, “extractive,” and oil of 
peppermint a trace.—From analyses—Br. Med. Journ.; Journ. 
A. M. A., 1909). 

Mayrs Stomach Remedy [essent. olive oil: Rochelle salt 
(or Epsom salt)]. [“Gall stones — principally a mixture of 
fatty acids and soap” (sodium salt of fatty acids)—“pro¬ 
duced by the action of the alkaline intestinal fluids on the 
large amount of oil taken.”—Journ. A. M. A.; 1911]. 

Medinal (barbital sodium). 

Mendenhall’s No. 40 for the Blood (“essentially: pot. iod., 
cathartic resins, ammon, acet., licorice, glycerin, alcohol, 
sugar and water.”—N. & Q.—Cramp.) 


KEY—SUPPLEMENT 


248w 


Mentholatum (essent. petrolatum and 5% boric acid, 10% 
menthol, and camphor,.—Jour. A. M.A., 1918; N. & Q.—Cramp.) 

Mentholatum (“essentially: petrolatum with about 5% 
boric acid and 10% menthol and camphor.”—N. & Q.—Cramp.) 

Mother Hart’s Baby Syrup (“opium 3 gr. to oz., and al¬ 
cohol 10%.”) 

Mrs. Edward’s Infant Syrup (morphin and alcohol.—Jour. 
A. M. A.—N. & Q.—Cramp). 

Mu-col (common salt and borax equal parts, and aromatics. 
—Journ. A. M. A., 1914). 

Nature’s Remedy Tablets (“essentially: aloes or aloin, 
cascara and belladonna with probably podophyllin.”—A. H. 
Clark in Journ. A. M. A.; etc.). 

Odor-O-No (practically a 33% of aluminum chlorid (hydrous). 

Phenoco (“A mixture of coal tar cresote and higher phenol 
homologues—phenols containing two or more methyl groups—in 
soap solution’’). (Is said to contain coal tar creosote, 20%; 
phenol homologues, 50%; and soap, 30%.) Is 16 to 16 times 
stronger than phenol but claimed to be non-caustic, non-irritant 
and only half as toxic as phenol. Used in 1 to 5% or more 
solutions. Is incompatible with strong alkalies and acids. 

Phenol Sodique (phenol.—1918; N. & Q.—Cramp). 

Resinol (an antiseptic prep., appar. quite similar to Resorcin 
Co. Oint (N.F.), but minus bismuth and perhaps wool-fat). 

Resorbin (a mixture of soap, wax, oil, gelatin and sheeps- 
wool oil.) 

Salvitae (federal analys. about 1920 =: essentially citric 
and tartaric acids with sulphates, carbonates or bicarbo¬ 
nates and phosphates of magnesium, sodium, potassium, and 
lithium, with a trace of hexamethylenamine.—N. & Q.— 
Cramp). 

Sedatole (Heroin, tolu, blood root, squill, wild cherry, balm 
of Gilead buds.—Drug. Cir., 1917). 

Sevetol (“An emulsion of fats—14.1% of oil”). 

Samaritan Nervine (abt. 19% pot. brom.; and indications of 
atropin—1917). 

Swamp Root (essentially: alcohol, about 9%; sugar, water 
and flavoring matter with a slight laxative principle”). 

Terraline (liquid petrolatum). 

Three Chlorides (Henry). “Mfr. claims (per fl. drm.) mer¬ 
curic bichlorid, 1/72 gr.; arsenic chlorid, 1/40 gr.; iron proto- 
chlorid 2/25 gr.; in a cordial of calisaya alkaloids.”—Jour. A. 
M. A., 1915.) 

Tiz (appar. similar tab. := “alum 60%, tannic acid 10%, 
salicylic acid 5%, talcum 5%, starch, 20%.”—Journ. A. M. A., 
1911). 

Tri-Iodides (Henry). (“Formula 1910: Colchicin 1/20 gr.; 
phytolaccin, 1/10 gr.; solanin, % gr.; sodium salicylate, 10 grs.; 
iodic acid (= to iodin), 7/32 gr.; in 2 fl. drm. of aromatic 
cordial.”) (“Formula 1914;: In 2 fl. drm.= colchicin, 1/200 gr.; 
phytolaccin, 1.2 grs; mydriatic alkaloids, 1/500 gr., sodium 
salicylate, 3.5 grs.; iodic acid (= iodin, 7/125 gr) 

Tutt’s Pills (aloes, calomel, starch, sugar.—Federal anal. 
—1915). 

Veril (areca nut, vermifuge). 

Vick’s Vap-O-Rub (yellow vaseline %+ part; camphor, 
menthol, oils of thyme, eucalyptus and turpentine = % part. 
—L»a. chems.; also Jour. A. M. A., 1918). 


248x 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Williams’ Pink Pills [“for pale people”] (Sugar, iron 
sulph., pot. carb., starch; a veg. subs., strych., talc.—Anal, 
fed. Chem.—1914). 

Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People (appar.: ferrous sulph.; 
potass, carb.; trace of strych.; starch; talc; sugar). 

Wilson’s Patent Ring Worm Cure [or “Dethblo.”] (Ferrous 
sulphate; glacial acetic acid). 


KEY TO TREATMENT 


(A digest arranged from the preceding pages of Part II.) 


POISON. 

TREATMENT. 
C M2ShaS!ca". d Physiological. 

ACETANJLID. 

ANILIN. 

ANTIPYRINE. 

EXALGIN. 

PHENACETIN. 

Evacuate the stomach. 

Recumbent position. 
Artificial respiration. 
Caffeine Citrate. 

Digitalis. 

Strychnine. 

Oxygen. Heat. 

ACID- 

ACETIC. 

—Mineral Acids— 

HYDROCHLORIC. 

PHOSPHORIC. 

NITRIC. 

SULPHURIC. 

Magnesia. 

Albumin. 

Lime-Water. 

Soap, Demulcents. 

Avoid emetics and stom* 
ach pump if acid concen¬ 
trated. 

Stimulants. 

Opium. 

External heat. 

A.CID— 

CARBOLIC. 

CREOSOTE. 

GUAIACOL. 

ETC. 

(PHENOLS.) 

Alcohol. 

Evacuate stomach. 
Sodium or 

Magnesium Sulphate. 
Lime-Water or 

Syrup of Lime. Soap. 
Albumin. Demulcents. 
(Avoid Oil and Glycerine) 

Atropine. 

Opium. 

Stimulants. 

External heat. 

Artificial respiration. 

ACID- 

CARBONIC. 


Fresh air. Friction, and 
heat to extremities. 
Artificial respiration. 

ACID- 

HYDROCYANIC 

(also the 
CYANIDES). 

A mixture of Ferrous 
and Ferric Sulphates 
with Sodium or Potas¬ 
sium Hydroxide or Car- 
bonate or Magnesia. 
Evacuate stomach if 
time. Pot. Permanganate 
or Hydrogen Peroxide. 
Demulcents if required. 

Cold douches. 

Ammonia or Chloride of 
Lime inhalations.. 
Artificial respiration. 
Stimulants. 

Artificial heat. 

ACID- 

OXALIC. 

Lime In any form. 

Magnesia. 

Demulcents. 

Stimulants. 

Opium. 

External heat. 

ACONITE. 

Tannic Acid (10-30 grs.). 
or Animal Charcoal (j 
tablespoonful). 

Syphon out stomach. 
(Avoid emetics.) 

Horizontal position. 
Artificial respiration. 
Digitalis. 

Artificial heat. 
Stimulants. 


N. B.—By STIMULANTS is meant not only Alcohol, but also the varioai 

cardiac and respiratory stimulants, such as Ammonia, Digitalis, Ca ro ns, StrycN' 
nine. Nitroglycerine, Atropine, etc. 


























050 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


POISON. 

TREATMENT. 

^Mechanical? Physiological. 

ALCOHOL 

ETHYL. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Cold to head; heat to 
extremities. Ammonia 

inhalations. Ammonium 
Chloride. Atropine. 
Digitalis. Electricity. 
Artificial respiration. 

ALCOHOL, 

METHYL. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Pilocarpine Hydrochlor* 
ate. 

Treat as for Ethyl Alco* 
hoi. 

ALKALIES— 

AMMONIA, 

CAUSTIC POTASH, 
CAUSTIC SODA, 
LIME, etc. 

Dilute Acids, especially 
Vegetable Acids, as Cit¬ 
ric or Tartaric, Lemon, 
Orange juice, Vinegar. 
Milk, Oil. 

Stimulants. 

Artificial heat. 

Opium. 

For Ammonia; 

Aconite, 

Digitalis, cold air. 

ALKALOIDS. 

Tannic Acid. Charcoal. 
Iodine. Albumin. 
Evacuate stomach. 

Maintain circulation and 
respiration. 

ANESTHETICS— 

CHLOROFORM, 

ETHER, 

NITROUS OXIDE. 

When Swallowed : 
Evacuate stomach if pos¬ 
sible, and give water 
containing Sodium Carb. 
or Bicarb. Also demul¬ 
cents if necessary. 

Remove cause. 

Place head low. 

Artificial respiration. 

Fresh air, Oxygen. 
Atropine. Stimulants 
Artificial heat. 

ANTIMONY and its 
COMPOUNDS. 

If necessary evacuate 
stomach. 7'annic Acid. 
Demulcents. 

Stimulants. 

Opium. 

Artificial heat. 

ARSENIC- 
ARSENOUS ACID. 
FOWLER’S 

SOLUTION, 
PARIS GREEN. 
“ROUGH ON 

RATS,” etc. 

Evacuate stomach. 

The Hydrated Oxide of 
Iron with Magnesia; or, 
the Hydrated Sesquiox- 
ide of Iron; or Dialyzed 
Iron. Demulcents. Cas¬ 
tor Oil. 

Stimulants. 

Opium if necessary. 
Artificial heat. 

Spt. Nitrous Ether 

BARIUM and its 
COMPOUNDS. 

Evacuate stomach. Mag¬ 
nesium or Sodium Sul¬ 
phate. Demulcents. 

Stimulants. 

Opium if necessary. 
Artificial heat. 

BELLADONNA. 

HYOSCYAMUS. 

STRAMONIUM. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Opium. Pilocarpine Ni* 
trate. Muscarine. Arti¬ 
ficial respiration. Alter¬ 
nate hot and cold douches. 
External heat. Stimu¬ 
lants. 

CANNAbiiS— 
AMERICAN ot 
INDIAN HEMP. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Stimulants. 

External heat. 





































KEY TO TREATMENT, 


251 


POISON. 

TREATMENT. 

Chemical and . 

Mechanical. Physiological. 

CHLORAL. 

CHLORALAMID. 

Evacuate stomach. 

(Is well to siphon out 
stomach with tea or 
coffee.) 

Liquor Potassae ( Z in 

water 5 viii.) 

Artificial respiration. 

Cold to head. Ammo¬ 
nia and Oxygen inhala¬ 
tions. External heat. 
Picrotoxin. Strychnine. 
Atropine. Stimulants 

COCAINE. 

If swallowed: Give 
Tannic Acid and evacu¬ 
ate stomach if possible. 

Horizontal position. Fresh 
air-. Amyl Nitrite. Mor¬ 
phine. Atropine. Art.resp. 
Stimulants. Oxygen. Heat. 
Electricity. Ether, etc. 

CONIUM. 

Tannic Acid. Evacuate 
stomach. Demulcents. 

Place head low. Stimu¬ 
lants. Artificial heat. 

Artificial respiration if 
necessary. 

COPPER and its 
COMPOUNDS. 

Potassium Ferrocyanide. 
Albumin or milk. 
Evacuate stomach. 
Demulcents. Magnesia. 

Artificial heat. 

Stimulants. 

Opium. 

CROTON OIL. 

Evacuate stomach. 
Demulcents. 

Artificial heat. 

Opium. 

Stimulants. 

DIGITALIS. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 
Magnesium Sulphate. 

Horizontal position. 
Aconite. Saponin. Al¬ 
coholic stimulants. Arti¬ 
ficial respiration. Heat. 

FOOD, 

POISONOUS. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Castor Oil. 

Antiseptics if required. 

Stimulants. 

Atropine for poisoning 
by Muscarine. 

Artificial heat. 

GASEOUS 

POISONS. 


Fresh air. Oxygen. 
Artificial respiration. 

Rest. Stimulants. 

GELSEMIUM. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Castor OiL 

Morphine. Atropine. 
Stimulants. 

Artificial respiration. 

Hot and cold douches 
alternated. 

Artificial heat. 

Electricity. 

IODINE and its 
COMPOUNDS. 

Starch or flour with 
water. Evacuate stom¬ 
ach. Demulcents. 

Stimulants. 

Artificial heat. 

Morphine. 

LEAD and its 

COMPOUNDS. 

Magnesium or Sodium 
Sulphate. Alum. Evacu¬ 
ate stomach.Demulcents. 

Stimulants. 

Opium if necessary. 
Artificial heat. 

LOBELIA. 

Tannic Acid. Evacuate 
stomach. Castor Oil. 

Stimulants. ArU^cuV 

heat. Opium. 








































252 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


POISON. 

TREATMENT. 

Chemical and . . ._. 

Mechanical. Physiological. 

MERCURY and its 
COMPOUNDS. 

Albumin (White of one 
Egg for 4 grs. Corrosive 
Sublimate). Evacuate 

stomach if vomiting has 
not occurred; also after 
Albumin. 

Stimulants. 

Artificial heat* 

Opium. 

NITROGLYCERINE. 

Emetics and Cathartics. 

Horizontal position. 

Cold to head. Atropine. 
Ergot. Strychnine. 

NUX VOMICA-. 
STRYCHNINE, 
BRUCINE, etc. 

Charcoal, Tannic Acid, 
or Potassium Permanga¬ 
nate. Evacuate stomach 
quickly before convul¬ 
sions. Tube, or Apo- 
morphine hypodermic. 

Horizontal position in 
dark, quiet room. Arti¬ 
ficial respiration. Chloro¬ 
form for convulsions. At¬ 
ropine. Bromides. Chlo¬ 
ral. Opium. Urethane. 

OPIUM- 
LAUDANUM. 
PAREGORIC. 
MORPHINE. 
CODEINE. 
HEROINE, etc. 

Potassium Permangan¬ 
ate, or Tannic Acid. 
Evacuate stomach. 

Keep patient awake by 
flagellation, walking, elec¬ 
tricity, etc. Amyl Nitrite. 
Atropine. Strychnine. Di¬ 
gitalin. Coffee, Cocaine, 
Tine. Capsicum, orange 
or lemon juice. External 
heat. Artific. respiration. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

Copper Sulph. Old Oil 
of Turpentine, Pot. Per- 
mang. or Hydrog. Perox. 
early. Evacuate stom¬ 
ach. Magnesium Sul¬ 
phate. (No fats or oils.) 

Opium. 

Oxygen inhalations. 
Artificial heat. 

RHUS (POISON IVY, 
POISON OAK, POI¬ 
SON SUMACH). 

Apply: Grindelia Rob. 
Alum. Ale. Sol. of Lead 
Acetate. (Avoid oils and 
fats.) Give Mag. Sulph. 

Opium to quiet. 

SILVER 

COMPOUNDS. 

Sodium Chloride. Evacu¬ 
ate stomach. Demulcents 
of albumin, milk, etc. 

Opium. 

Stimulants if necessary. 

STROPHANTHUS. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Saline cathartic. 

Chloroform or Ether in* 
halations, Chloral or Bro¬ 
mide. Artif. respiration. 

SULFONAL. 

TRIONAL. 

Evacuate stomach. 
Magnesium Sulphate. 

Stimulants. 

TOBACCO. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Horizontal position. Cold 
to head. Strychnine. 
Artificial heat. 

VERATRUM. 

Tannic Acid. 

Evacuate stomach. 

Horizontal position. Fresh 
air. Stimulants. Artif. 
heat. Opium. Electricity. 

ZINC 

COMPOUNDS. 

Tannic Acid. Evacuate 
stomach. Bicarb. Soda. 
Albumin. Lime-Water. 
Soap. Mucilage. Milk. 

Morphine. 

Hot fomentations. 









































INDICATIONS OF VARIOUS SYMPTOMS. 253 


PART III. 


THE INDICATIONS OF VARIOUS 
SYMPTOMS IN POISONING. 

(an aid to diagnosis of the poison)* 


BLINDNESS. 

Suspect: Wood Alcohol, Barium, Digitalis, Qui¬ 
nine, Nicotine, etc. 

BREATH (Specific Odor of Breath). 


Suspect: Acid Hydrocyanic, Alcohol, all ethereal 
oils, Ammonia, Amyl Nitrite, Amylene-hydrate, 
Bromine, Bromoform, Chloroform, Creosote, Ether, 
Brominated Ether, Iodine, Iodoform, Nitro-ben- 
zene, Opium, Paraldehyde, Pental, Phosphorus, 
salts of Tellurium, Camphor, Tobacco, Formalde¬ 
hyde, etc. 

BREATH (Phosphorescence of Breath). 

Suspect: Phosphorus. (Also Garlic-like odor.) 

COLLAPSE. 

Suspect: Concentrated corrosive acids or alka¬ 
lies, Antimonial preparations, Arsenic, Colchicine, 
Aconite, Nicotine. 

COMA, PROFOUND. 

Suspect: Alcohol, Aniline Oil, Belladonna, Car¬ 
bon Monoxide, Chloral and its analogues, Chloro¬ 
form and its analogues, Coal Gas, Opium or Mor¬ 
phine, Oxybutyric Acid, Sulfonal, Trional. 


♦See also pages 329 - 336 . 




254 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


CONVULSIONS, SEVERE; OR TETANUS. 

Suspect: Aconitin, Ammonia salts, Cocaine, 
Condurangin, Corydalin, Cicutoxin, Cornutin, Cy- 
tisin, Digitaliresin, Filicic Acid. Gelsemine, Guani- 
din, Picrotoxin, Ptomaines, Strychnine, Tetanus 
bacillus toxin, Thebaine, Antimony, Arsenic, etc. 

COUGH, BARKING, AND APHONIA. 

Suspect: Allantotoxin, Atropine, Hyoscyamine, 
Scopolamin, etc. 

CYANOSIS. 

Suspect: Anilin, Acetanilid, Benzocoll, Exalgin, 
Nitrobenzene, Phenacetin, Toluidin. 

DEAFNESS AND BLINDNESS (More or Less 

Complete). 

Suspect: Aconite, Belladonna, Cocaine, Conium. 

DEATH, QUICK AND SUDDEN. 

Suspect: Acid Hydrocyanic, Acid Carbolic, Car¬ 
bon Dioxide, Creosote, Potassium Cyanide or other 
cyanides. Strong Ammonia, Oxalic Acid. 

DELAYED SYMPTOMS. 

(First symptoms of poisoning 12 to 24 hours after 
eating). 

Suspect: Arsenic (not in solution), Mushrooms 
containing Phallin, Virus of rabid animals. 

DEPRESSION, MENTAL. 

Suspect: Alcoholism, Cocaine habit, Morphine 
habit, Maydism, Mercurialism Ergotism, Ether- 
ism, Saturnism, Carbon Disulphide, Iodoform. 

DIARRHCEA WITH VOMITING. 

Suspect: Antimony and substances containing it, 
Arsenic and substances containing it, Colchicine, 


INDICATIONS OF VARIOUS SYMPTOMS. 255 


Colocynths, corrosive poisons, Croton Oil, sub¬ 
stances of the Digitalin group, Emetin, Muscarin, 
Nicotine, Pilocarpine, etc. 

DISCOLORATION (Black and Blue Peripheral 

Parts of Body). 

Suspect: Gangrenous Ergotism. 

DISCOLORATION (Skin Dark and Muddy). 

Suspect: (If not Blue) Poisoning by Arsenic 
(Arsenical-melanosis), Copper, Lead, Mercury. 
(Blue or Argyria) Silver preparations. 

DISCOLORATION (Discolored Tongue and Mu¬ 
cous Membrane of Mouth). 

White: Carbolic Acid, corrosive acids, corrosive 
alkalies, corrosive metallic salts. 

Brown: Bromine, Iodine. 

Yellow: Nitric Acid, Picric Acid. [chromates. 
Reddish-Yellow : Salts of Chromic Acid and Bi- 
Greenish-Blue: Paris Green, salts of Copper. 

DISCOLORATION (Icteric, or Pseudo-Icteric, 
Yellowish-Brown Discoloration of the Conjunc¬ 
tiva or of the Skin). 

Suspect: Amyl Nitrite, Arsine, Helvellaic Acid, 
Phosphorus, Phallin, Potassium Chlorate, Pyro- 
gallol, Saponin substances, Sodium Nitrate, Solanin. 

Emaciation: From prolonged poisoning by Ar¬ 
senic, Lead or Mercury, secondary effects of cor¬ 
rosives. 

ERUPTION (Acne) 

Suspect: Bromides, compounds of or substances 
which contain Antimony, arsenicals, Emetine, 
iodides. Boric Acid (papular). 


256 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ERUPTION (Clear Vesicles on Skin or in Mouth). 

Suspect: Preparations of Cantharides, Crowfoot, 
etc. 

ERUPTION (Eczematous). 

Suspect: Anilin (externally), Carbolic Acid, 
Cardol, Cinchona (dust of the bark), Croton Oil, 
Curcas Oil, Sulphonal, Tar, Vanilla (poor quality). 

• 

ERUPTION (Nettle, Scarlatinal or Measles-like 

Rash). 

Suspect: Antipyrine, Atropine, Belladonna, Bal¬ 
sam of Copaiba, Chloral, Cubebs, Hyoscyamine, 
Iodine, Morphine, Quinine, Antimony, Arsenic, food. 

GUMS (Dark Line or Border on Gums). 

Suspect: Bismuth, Copper (green), Lead (blue), 
Mercury (bluish), Silver, Boric Acid (gray). 

HEARING. 

Suspect: (Impaired or Lost) Aconite, Barium,' 
Bromism, Cinchonism, Conium, Lead, Mercury, Opium, 
Quinin, Salicylates, Salol, etc. (Intensified) Hydro¬ 
phobia, Strychnin, etc. (Buzzing) Salicylates. (Ringing) 
Quinin, Tobacco, toxemias, food poisonings, Ergot, 
etc. 

ILLUSIONS, VISIONS, ETC. 

Suspect: Absinthe, Opium and Morphine, Co¬ 
caine, etc. 

MANIA OR DELIRIUM (Raving Mania, Raging 
Delirium, or Mental Excitation). 

Suspect: Alcoholism (chronic), Atropine, Cam¬ 
phor, Cannabis, Hyoscyamus, Cocaine, Physostigmine, 
Stramonium, Veratrine. 

MISCARRIAGE OR ABORTION. 

May be due to: Cotton Root Bark, Cornutin, 
Pennyroyal, Phosphorus, Rue, Savine, Tansy, etc. 


INDICATIONS OP VARIOUS SYMPTOMS. 257 


CEDEMA (of Glottis). 

Suspect: All the corrosive poisons. 

CEDEMA (Pulmonary). 

Suspect: Ammonia, Morphine, Muscarine, Pilo* 
carpine. 

PAIN. 

Colic: Arsenic, Colocynth, Copper, Lead. 

Cramp: Antimony, Arsenic, Lead. 

Neuritic: Chronic arsenical poisoning. 

PARALYSIS (As a rule, ascending). 

Suspect: Aconite, Arsenic, Colchicine, Coniine, 
Curare, Ergotinic Acid, Gelsemium, Guachamaca- 
poison, Lead. 

\ 

PERSPIRATION (PROFUSE). 

Suspect: Aconite, Acetanilid, Antipyrine, Exal- 
gin, Phenacetin, Sulfonal, etc. 

PRIAPISM. 

Suspect: Cantharidin, etc. 

PULSE (Greatly Accelerated). 

Suspect: Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, 
etc. 

PULSE (Particularly Slow). 

Suspect: All narcotics, Baryta, Lead, Morphine, 
Muscarine, Nicotine (later rapid and irregular), 
Opium, Physostigmine, Pilocarpine (later rapid 
and irregular), substances of the Digitalin group 
(later rapid pulse). 

PULSE, WIRY. 

Suspect: Baryta, Lead, substances of the Digi- 
talin group. 


258 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


PUPILS, CONTRACTED. 

Suspect: Codeine, Morphine (Opium), Musca< 
rine, Nicotine, Physostigmine, Pilocarpine. 


PUPILS, DILATED. 

Suspect: Aconitine, Alcohol, Atropine, Chloroform 
(swallowed), Cocaine (subsequently contracted), 
Coniine, Cytisin, Eppedrin, Gelsemine,Homatropine, 
Hyoscyamine, Opium (last stage), Scopolamin (Hyo- 

scin), Stramonium. 

SALIVATION. 

Suspect: Ammonia, Antimony, Arsenic, Can- 
tharidin, Crytisin, Mercury, Muscarine, Nicotine, 
Physostigmine, Pilocarpine, Saponin substance, etc. 

SKIN, MOUTH AND PHARYNX, VERY DRY. 

Suspect: Atropine, certain parts of Belladonna, 
Hyoscyamus, Thorn-apple, Allantotoxin (from de¬ 
caying fish), Hyoscin, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamin, etc. 

SKIN, MOIST. 

Suspect: Aconitine, Alcohol, Antimony, Lobelin, 
Morphine, Muscarine, Nicotine, Opium, Physostig¬ 
mine, Pilocarpine. 

SKIN, YELLOW. SKIN, BLUE. 

Suspect: Picric Acid and its salts. Silver Salts. 

SPEECH. 

Suspect: (Garrulous) Opium or its alkaloids. 
(Thick) Alcohol. 

TACTILE SENSE. 

Anesthesia (surface). Suspect: Aconite, Alcohols, 
Bromides, Cannabis, Opium, Physostigma; etc. 

Hyperaesthesia (surface). Suspect: Alcohol, Opium, 
(habits), Arsenic. 

Variation in temperature-sense (surface). Suspect: 
Aconite, Alcohol, Cannabis; etc. 

TASTE, FOUL 

Suspect: Arsenic, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Po¬ 
tassium Todide, Tartar Emetic. 


INDICATIONS OP VARIOUS SYMPTOMS. 259 


TEMPERATURE, MARKED ELEVA¬ 
TION OF. 

Suspect: Cocaine, enzymes, Phosphorus, strong 
convulsants (under certain conditions). 

TINGLING OR NUMBNESS IN LIPS OR 

TONGUE. 

Suspect: Aconite. 

URINE (Having Coloring Matter of Blood in 

Solution). 

Suspect: Cyclamin, Solanin and other Saponin 
substances, Helvellaic Acid, Phallin. 


URINE 


’Red: Antipyrin, Fuchsin. 

Claret Colored: Sulfonal, Trional. 
Becoming Scarlet in Air: Santonin. 
Reddish Yellow: Picric Acid and salts. 
Becoming Dark Green in Air: Phenol. 
Greenish: Methylene blue. 

Brownish or Greenish Brown: Phos¬ 
phorus, Lead, Mercury. 


URINE, ACID (Containing Colorless Crystals). 

Suspect: Oxalic Acid and its Salts. 


URINE, ICTERIC. 

Suspect: Cephalanthin, Phallin, Phosphorus, 
Toluene, Diamin. 

URINE (Containing Methaemoglobin With or 

Without Hasmatin). 

Suspect: Amyl Nitrite, Arsine, all corrosive poi¬ 
sons, Chrysarobin, Potassium Chlorate, Pyrogallol, 
Sodium Nitrite. 

URINE (That Reduces Fehling’s Solution). 

Suspect: Benzaldehyde (Bitter Almond) Oil, 
Carbon Monoxide, Chloral, Chloroform, Formic 
Acid, Oxalic Acid and its salts, Phloridcin, Pyro- 
gaflol, Uranium salts. 




m 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


URINE (Very Odorous). 

Suspect: Ammonia, asparagus, Tellurium, Tur¬ 
pentine Oil (violets), and other ethereal oils; also auto¬ 
intoxication. 

Urine (Red) Suspect: Uric acid, blood, etc. Urine 
(Blue; etc.) Suspect: A methyl. 


URINE (Unnatural Scantiness or Suppression). 

Suspect: Cantharidin, Corrosive Sublimate and 
other mercurial preparations, Oxalic Acid, Oxa- 
mic Acid, Potassium Oxalate. 


VISION. 

Amblyopia (Loss of acuteness of sight; feeble or 
blurred sight, with fundus or base of eye unchanged). 
Suspect: Tobacco, tea or coffee used in excess. A 
variety of amaurosis, a temporary blindness, may be 
caused by abuse of tobacco, by excessive use of Alcohol, 
Quinin or Salicin; may occur in Iodoform or Lead 
poisoning. 

Amblyopia, or Amaurosis (more or less complete 
loss of sight—pupils may be unchanged). Suspect: 
Aconite, Alcohol, botulism, Caffein, Gelsemium, 
Methanol, Tobacco, Veratrum, etc. 

Amblyopia with more or less deficient accommo¬ 
dation only. Suspect: Alcohol, Coniin, Conium, 
Methanol, etc. 

Amblyopia, with more or less dilated, or contracted 
pupils. Suspect: Aconite, Alcohol, Cocain, Coniin, 
Conium, Digitalin, Dinitrobenze, Eserin (contracted), 
Gelsemium, (Gelsemin), Loco Weed, Nitrobenzene, 
Quinin,or Veratrin; botulism, ptomain-poisoning—food 
poisonings; chronic Anilin or Nicotin poisoning; etc. 

Diplopia (Double Vision). Suspect: Belladonna, 
Conium, Gelsemium, ptomain-poisoning, various food 
poisonings; etc. 


VISION. 


260 a 


Double vision, or dimness of vision; more or less 
paralysis of accommodation. Astigmatism. Perhaps 
a total blindness. Suspect: Aconite, Belladonna, Hy- 
oscyamus, Methyl Alcohol (sudden blindness), Stram¬ 
onium; etc. (Usually pupils are dilated, but sometimes 
normal, unsymmetrical, or contracted.)* 

Mydriasis (extreme dilatation of pupil) with par¬ 
alysis of accommodation. Suspect: Alcohols, the atropa ; 
Belladonna, (Atropine, Homatropine, etc.), Duboisin, 
Gelsemium, Hyoscyamus, Mandrake, (Scopolamin), 
Stramonium ; ptomain-poisoning; etc.* 

Myosis (Contracted pupil; or, Pin-Hole, or Pin-Point 
Pupil). Suspect: (Aconite 1st stage?), Amyl Alcohol, 
Opium, Morphin, Physostigmin; etc. 

Some ill-defined disturbance of vision (with per¬ 
haps slight pupillary dilatation). Suspect: Belladonna 
or Atropin combined with Opium or Morphin, pos¬ 
sibly with Codein ; also a botulism; food poisoning; etc. 

Blue. Suspect: Alcoholism; etc. 

Brownish. Suspect: Coffee, etc. 

Green. Suspect: Cinchona or Santonin; etc. 

Red. Suspect: Duboisin ; etc. 

Yellow. Suspect: Gelsemium, or Santonin, etc. 

Photophobia, (Intolerance of light). Suspect: 
Cinchonism, or Arsenic poisoning. 

If an object appears larger or smaller than it should: 
Suspect: Poisoning by Cannabis Indica.* 

(Memo) : Atropin, Homatropin, Cocain and Scopo¬ 
lamin dilate the pupil of the eye. First two and Scopo¬ 
lamin paralyze accommodation; Cocain only slightly 
impairs it. First two used in eye 2 grs or more to oz. 
(Apply one or more drops) ; Cocain in 2 to 4 % sol. 
(Apply a few drops) ; Scopolamin, Hydrobromid, use 
in y 10 to y 5 of one per cent solution. (Apply 6 or 7 
drops). 

Eserine contracts the pupil. (One drop of a one per 
cent solution used in the eye.) 

[Delirium (toxic)—illusions, hallucinations, etc— 
Suspect: Alcoholism (acute or chronic). “Nearly all 
poisons, notably the vegetable narcotics, and narcotico- 


260£ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


acrids, are apt to produce delirium:”—Woodman and 
Tidy. Dread: Alcohol, hydrophobia, sometimes 
Opium, Cocain ; etc.]. 

[Delusions, illusions, hallucinations. (Without actual 
delirium.) Suspect: Alcohol, cocain, hyoscyamus, 
hyoscin, wormwood ; etc.]. 

[Visions; “Spectres’’—such as rats, mice, beetles, 
animals, “devils,” “ghosts,” etc. Suspect: Alcohol, Lead, 
Mercury, etc.]. 

*[See charts for tests] 


VOICE. 

(Loss of) In Barium, Lead paralysis, Trichinosis, 
etc. (Rough) Belladonna, etc. 


VOMITING. 

Suspect: Aconite, Ammonia (stringy saliva, perhaps 
blood), Antimony (mucus-white, stringy, perhaps 
bloody), Arsenic (brown, with blood), Colchicum, 
Colocynth, Digitalis (grass-green vomit), Phos¬ 
phorus (vomit luminous in dark), Antimony, Zinc 
(incessant vomiting). 


VOMITING AND PURGING. 

Suspect: Antimony and substances containing it, 
Arsenic and substances containing it, Colchicin, 
Colocynths, corrosive poisons, Croton Oil, sub¬ 
stances of the Digitalin group, Emetin, Muscarine, 
Nicotine, Pilocarpine; etc. 


VOMITING, WITHOUT DIARRHOEA. 

Suspect: Apomorphine, Cytisin, Lobelin, Nar- 
cissin, etc. 


VISION TESTS. 


PART III*. 


THE SPECIAL SENSES. 

DETERMINATION OF THEIR CONDITION FOR 
RECOGNITION OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS 
OF CERTAIN POISONS 

(See pages 253 to 260 b) 


VISION TESTS 

NB. At the indicated distances, these test types of Brun- 
dage’s Manual of Toxicology, 14th edition, copyrighted, 
1923, by the Henry Harrison Co., afford a person quite 
definite information as to whether his sight is normal or 
abnormal. 

[Test your eyesight! Ascertain if you are being poisoned 
by excessive use of coffee or tea, etc. By employing the 
tests and the references above indicated, supplemented in 
some instances by other tests logically indicated and else¬ 
where provided, those persons who have been in the habit 
of using very freely either coffee, tobacco, or alcoholic 
beverage, quinine, or one of the common nerve or heart 
sedatives or stimulants, or some very insidiously dele¬ 
terious substances, may discover they are unconsciously 
optically suffering from the injurious effects of such ex¬ 
cessive use, or from a chronic auto-intoxication from over¬ 
eating or from eating wrong food, and need medical treat¬ 
ment or eyeglasses or both.] 

\ In reading each of the series, the respective type being read 
should be placed or hung nearly on a level with the eyes, and 
in a strong, preferably natural light. Care should be taken 
to avoid shadows. Each eye should be tested separately, one 
eye being covered—but not pressed upon—with a card, black 
paper, or the cupped-palm, held closely in front of it, while 
the other eye is being tested. 

Diminution in Vision: De Guret averages usual diminution 
in acuteness of vision as follows: At 50 years of age the acute¬ 
ness is diminished one-fifth; at 60 years one-fourth; at 70 years 
one-third; at 80 years one-half.] The pupil is 4 mm. in diam¬ 
eter in the average adult; smaller in old age. The visual 
center is in the cuneus of the occipital lobes. 




260 d 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 

For Nearby Readings 

B 

*" M MS Id atwwl the eWe of th# eppoaitioa th*y »( forth ill Axagrt at breaking <4owa t&c 

fertiUM which Hpuita lh« function* at the lagialator from tboee of the jiaiga. “ Thu man." it »u n*d. ’Mf 
b • b»J Englishman j and jH tu« sum may bo th* c*qm of all good Englishmen. Only last *• passed u 
AH U> regulate lha procedure el the ordinary oourU id cases of treason We passed that AH because we thought 
thftt, in tboae ftourtft, tb life of • subject ohooiiooe to the government m not then sufidestJj secured. Tel 
the Lie ot • subject oboo nous to the gorernmeat «u then fw more secure than it will U if Uue Douse takoa 

At D-0.25 meter—25 centimeters—(4 diopters). (Normally read at about 

10 inches) 


R 

If placed in a good light, these words should bo 
read, by the normal eye, at about 16 inches from the 
eye. [Refer to pages 263 to 2606 of Brundage’s Manual 
of Toxicology, indicating effects on vision produced 
by certain poisons.] 

At D-0.40 meter (2.5 diopters). (Normally read at about 16 inches) 


u 


D E LT 

C L 

TOOL 

O H 

FELT 

C L 

COLD 

L O 


I F F S O E 
OTEUDLA8 
O T H E S E 
D G E R BA 


E P BELLS 

1C HOLED 

A L CRIED 

L L BOOTS 


At D-0.50 meter (2 diopters). (Normally read at about 20 inches) 


N 


BET LET FAT 

ROD DEOHSUDTL 

SEE SET LEE 

COD HOD COO 


FOES 

RODE 

TELL 

TOED 


At D-0.75 meter (1.25 diopters). 


(Normally read at about 30 inches) 


D 


DELL 

ROOT 

FLOG 

GOLD 


STUEOHCF 

SOLE FELL 
HOCEFSDUTL 
POLE CELL 
RUDE BEET 


At D-1.00 meter (1 diopter) (1 meter = 39.3701 inches). (Normally 

read at about 40 inches) 


A 


T 

L 

B 

At D-2,00 meters 


OLD SLED 

FSDCEUTOH 
A T H FEUD 

(.50 diopter,). (Normally read at about 80 inches) 


VISION TESTS. 


200/ 



1— orbital bone. 

2— eyelid. 

3— muscle which moves eyeball. 

4— sclerotic. 

5— retina—corresponds to photographic 

plate of a camera. 

6— iris or colored curtain. Variable 

hole in center (for light) is called 
the pupil. 


<j—tuxiica \n aiiopai&iit tissue which 
admits light to retina). 

9—vitreous humor. 

10— ciliary muscle—controls shape of 

lens. 

11— aqueous humor. 

12— optic nerve—divides into fine threads 




E 



M—Myopic or short-sighted eye. (Has 
a long diameter.) 

H—Hyperopic or hypermetropic or far¬ 
sighted eye. (Has a short diam¬ 
eter.) 

Dotted lines indicate normal eye. 


Insert illustrates way in which normal 
lens accommodates itself to near 
and far objects: 

D—shape of lens when viewing distant 
(D) objects. 

N—shape of lens when viewing near 
(N) objects. 



















260/ A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


For Distant Readings 

TDRFLAEOF 
268 36 058394 

At D-3.00 meters (Normally read at about 10 



0? 180° 



For Astigmatism Tests. 

(Test at about 10 ft. in strong light or at 8 ft. in fair light.) 

In an astigmatism, at certain angles the lines will appear hazy, or 
fuzzy on sides or at ends, or of different widths or spacings, or run 
together. All angles may be indistinct but usually those between 9Q° 
and 160° are least affected and horizontals and verticals most. 














VISION TESTS. 


260*7 


N 



At D—4.75 meters (Normally read at about 15 feet) 


u 








At D-6.00 meters (Normally read at about 20 feet) 



[Normal vision is known as emmetropia, and rays of light portraying 
an object are focussed directly upon the retina. In short sight or myopia 
the eyeball is elongated, or the lens too thick, and the rays are focussed 
before they reach the retina. In far sight or hypermetropia, the eyeball 
is too short, or the lens too thin, and rays are not yet focussed upon 

reaching the retina. In the failing sight af old age, called presbyopia, 

usually beginning somewhere between 38 and 45 years of age, the power 

of the eitiary muscle is diminished and it is less able to alter the shape 

(requisite forcussing or accommodation) of the lens, and the lens is 
less flexible, more dense, and the eye more flattened. 

In testing the sight, the normal distance (“D”), at which a given sized 
type should be read, is the numerator of a fraction; the denominator of 
which is represented by the distance at which it is read, or by the size 
(for another distance), which is the closest approximation to the normal 
size and distance there possible by the person being tested. 

Thus the vision of an eye which reads at 20 feet (the usual test dis¬ 
tance) the type normally read at that distance is represented as J$. 
But if able to read no smaller than that normally read at 30 feet is 
represented as •§£; etc. A myopic eye requires a concave-spherical lens. 
A hypermetropic eye requires a convex-spherical lens. An astigmatic 
eye requires a convex or concave cylindrical lens. A sphero-cylindrical 
may be required.] 

N. B. By unfolding page 260; and displaying it with pages 260/ 
and 260^, types for all the distances through 60 feet may be displayed 
simultaneously. By placing the Toxicology on a shelf or table, or pile of 
books on such, and leaning a heavy ruler, on edge, against the bottoms 
of the pages, vision tests of a seated person may be made quickly. 

















260 h 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


TEST TYPES FOR HALF DISTANCE READ¬ 
INGS BY MEANS OF MIRROR 


A 

oj o a h a a a t 

Type for 10 feet, normal distance, direct test. 

(By mirror reflection at 5 feet) 


a a a 6 1 T J 

Type for IS feet, normal distance, direct. 

(By mirror reflection at feet) 


OF 




Type for 20 feet, normal distance, direct test. 
(By mirror reflection at 10 feet) 



T 



Type for 30 feet, normal distance, direct iest. 
(By mirror reflection at 15 feet) 



For test by mirror (reflection) :—The mirror should be 5 feet away from 
and in front of the reader’s eyes; and the test type at the side of the 
eyes (or, if the type be placed just behind the head, make proportionate 
allowance for additional distance. (Also, reader may face mirror, close 
to it, and the type be placed a proportionate distance behind his eyes, 
making allowance for distance from his eyes to mirror). 





VISION TESTS 

o 


260 i 



At D-4.75 meters. (Normally read at about 15 feet.) 

[For testing the vision of a very young child, or of an illiterate person.] 



At D—6.00 meters (Normally read at about 20 feet) 

[For testing the vision of a very young child, or of an illiterate person.] 



At D-about 12 meters. (Read at about 40 feet.) (Sheep). 
At D-about 14 meters. Read at about 45 feet.) (Dogs). 
[For testing vision of illiterate person] 


260 j 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


c 





At D- 9.00 meters (about 29)4 feet—approximately 30 feet) 

0 



At D—18.00 meters (Normally read at about 60 feet) 










CENTIMETERS AND MILLIMETERS. 


HEARING AND TACTILE TESTS 


260/5- 


o 


G 


Y 



■T 

W' 




— ^ 


M 


1— Long process of Incus (or. 

Anvil). 

2— Processus gracilis. 

3— Processus brevis. 

I—Head of Malleus (or, Ham¬ 
mer). 

5— Manubrium (or, Handle of 

Hammer). 

6— Articulation between Incus 

and Stapes. 

7— Stapes (Stirrup). 


— 'T 


EAR 


Centigrade Fahrenheit 
Scale. Scale. 

45°- —-113® 


_ - 112 ° 



— -' 110 ° 


43°- — 

— ^— 109 ° 

Z =-108° 

42°- — 

Z —107° 



——106° 
E-105° 

=-104° 

=—103° 

=- 102 ® 



1 — Semi-circular canal. 

2— Concha. 

3— Auditory nerve. 

4— Eustachian tube. 

5— External auditory meatus. 

6— Middle Ear (Drum or Tym¬ 

panum). 

7— Vestibule. 


8— Membrana tympani (Drum¬ 

head). 

9— Cochlea. 

10— Lobule. 

11— Oval window (closed by 

stapes). 

12— Concha. 


260/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


HEARING TESTS 

There are various methods of testing a person s hearing in 
order to determine whether his hearing is normal or defective. 
Before applying any such tests, the ears should be carefully 
examined for the presence of ear-wax; and if such be found, 
it should be removed prior to employing the tests. 

The tick of a watch is one of the two means most com¬ 
monly employed for testing the hearing, i e., to determine 
whether a person’s hearing is normal or defective; and it 
defective, to what extent. Before the tick of any watch is 
used for such purpose, the tick of that watch should be tested 
by trying it upon a number of persons known to have normal 
hearing, and its suitableness for the testing of hearing, thus 
definitely and fully determined. Unless the method pursued in 
testing the tick of that watch conforms to and complies with 
the following, the respective watch-tick should not be used 
to test the hearing: . 

All hearing-tests and watch-tick tests should be made in a 
quiet room. The watch used should be well wound at the time 
of testing. In testing, it should be held half-covered by the 
hand, so that a turn of the wrist will interpose the hand and 
cut off most of the sound of the tick, in confirming responses. 
The person upon whom the test is made should keep 
his eyes closed during the tests to avoid being influenced by 
position or motions of the tester. While one ear is being 
tested, the aural orifice of the other should be obstructed by 
the tip of the finger, or otherwise securely plugged. The test 
should begin with the watch being held beyond the hearing 
distance of its tick, but on a level with, and directly in front 
of the aural orifice of the ear being tested. It should then 
be brought quietly and gradually towards the patient’s ear, 
until its tick is clearly and distinctly heard by him. This fact 
he should be instructed to indicate by raising the forefinger of 
his partly uplifted, nearer hand. A person having normal 
hearing will hear, clearly and distinctly, under these conditions, 
a duly loud and distinct watch-tick, at some point between 60 
and 30 inches away from his aural orifice, as his most distant 
point. Such point is known as his hearing-distance; but his 
hearing-distance will vary its place or point in the 60 to 30 
inches area, according to the intensity and clearness of the 
watch-tick with which the test is made. Therefore, there is 
practically a hearing-distance for the watch-tick as well as for 
the person; and that for a suitable watch-tick must lie also 
somewhere within the 60 to 30 inches area. With one such, 
it may be at 60 inches; with another, at 40 or 50 inches; etc. 
With each suitable watch, it will he at the most distant point 
in the accepted area, where its tick is duly heard by the ma¬ 
jority of a number of persons whose hearing is normal. Such 
determination of hearing-distance is not quite absolute, but 






















HEARING TESTS. 


260 m 


nearly enough so as to well serve all ordinary and practical 
purposes. 

In testing the watch-tick of a watch, it should be noted 
which side of the watch emits the more suitable tick; and if 
the watch have a closed case, whether the latter should be 
used open or closed. 

If the hearing-distance of a suitable watch-tick is 50 inches 
from the aural orifice of each of several persons having nor¬ 
mal hearing, the 50 would be the denominator or base of all 
fractions used to indicate the hearing ability of various per¬ 
sons tested by that watch-tick. With another suitable watch- 
tick it might be, as has been indicated, 40, 45, or 60; etc. The 
numerator of all such fractions would be the distance at 
which the person being tested, properly hears the watch-tick. 
If the denominator of the watch-tick is 50 and the hearing of 
the person being tested is normal, in each ear, the fraction, for 
each ear, will be 50/50. However, if it is normal (50/50) in 
one ear, but with the other he can not properly hear the 
watch-tick farther away than 30 inches, the fraction for that 
defective ear is 30/50. If the denominator of a suitable 
watch-tick is 40, but a person can not properly hear it farther 
away than 20 inches with the right ear, and not farther away 
than 10 inches with the left ear, the result of the tests would 
be recorded thus: Hearing Distance, Right (or, H.D.R.) 
20/40. Hearing Distance Left (or, H.D.L.) 10/40. Or, if 
using this same watch-tick, it can be properly heard by some 
other person only when the watch is placed in light contact 
with the ear, the record would be C/40 for each ear so defi¬ 
cient; or, if heard only when pressed firmly against the aural 
orifice (if elsewhere should be so stated) it would be re¬ 
corded as Pr./40; etc. If the watch-tick cannot be heard in 
any of these three ways the hearing would be recorded as 
0/40 for each ear so deficient. Imperfect hearing of watch- 
tick is quite common in cases that hear other sounds well; and 
it may be audible, actually, by bone-contact, to persons who 
have no hearing through the aural orifice. 

Voice sounds also are much used in testing the hearing; 
but voices vary greatly in volume, pitch and timbre, and the 
same voice varies also at times. As a rule the whispered 
voice is better than the loud voice, on account of the usually 
small testing place, and of the greater regularity in tone of the 
whispered voice. Vowels are heard farther than con¬ 
sonants, and music, better than speech. Numerals should be 
used in testing, also the names of different States and cities, 
and other words which vary in proportion of vowel and 
consonant sounds. The patient should repeat the words after 
the examiner. The eyes should be kept closed to avoid lip- 
reading. 

The following method of testing the hearing is used in the 
U. S. Government service: Each ear is tested by occluding 
the aural orifice of its mate, a,nd by directing the conversation 


260 n 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


from various points and from such positions, as will exclude 
lip-reading. Slight deafness of one ear is based upon inability 
to hear ordinary conversation at 6 feet; severe deafness, of 
such, by inability to hear loud conversation at 3 feet. Nearly 
total deafness, of such, by inability to hear the loudest distinct 
conversation at one foot; total deafness, of such, by inability 
to hear the loudest conversation. The distance at which the 
patient can hear each of the above stated standard tones is to 
be stated, also. The human voice is able, especially in whisper, 
to test the hearing through many octaves, and “forms the 
readiest and often the best test at our command.” Loud, 
medium, and low voice, stage whisper, and low whisper are 
fairly definite terms; and test words like the cardinal num¬ 
bers, such as one, two three, etc. (not first, second, third, etc.) 
up to 100, give ample variations and combinations of pitch. 
The few questions of the primary history taking, asked in 
a just audible tone, give the careful examiner a fair gage of 
the patient’s defect; and having him repeat the last words, 
gives good control as regards the acuity of the hearing. The 
average distinct whisper may be heard, in a quiet room, at a 
distance of about 25 feet. As a standard, it may be stated 
that a stage whisper, spoken with the “reserve air” after an 
ordinary tidal expiration, should be heard about 16 feet in a 
quiet room; the high, sibilant sounds of S and X are most 
audible, usually. Faint, clear whispers should be heard at 
about 3% feet. 


It should be remembered that the degree of vitiation of a 
special sense function may serve, helpfully, to indicate moderate 
or severe effects in the toxic action of various poisons. 


SUPPLEMENTARY EXPLANATIONS AND 

TESTS 

HEARING: 

[In testing the hearing, tuning forks and Politzer’s sound meter or 
acoumeter are among the various means sometimes employed. Probably 
the latter is the most precise and uniform of all test methods; but is not 
very commonly used seemingly because it is rather complicated and 
Somewhat expensive. 

Tuning-forks are practically requisite in closely distinguishing between 
diseases of the transmitting apparatus and of the receiving apparatus 
A set of five tuning forks is desirable, tuned from 128 to 2048 vibrations 
per second. They are the Cs of 4 octaves upward, beginning at the C 
below middle C of the piano. In employing but one tuning fork for general 
purposes that of 512 vibrations per second (the universal standard of 
pitch) which is the C one octave above middle C of the piano, should 
be selected. The fork-test for determination of hearing ability is made 
through the air, in about same way as the ordinary watch-tick-test. 
For testing by bone-contact and bone-conduction of sound, the end of 
the handle is rested upon the mastoid process, the vertex of the skull, 
the upper teeth, or the forehead, with the shaft at right angle to the 
surface of the bone. In nerve deafness low-pitched sounds are heard 




TACTILE AND TEMPERATURE TESTS. 260* 


best. In an obstructive deafness or affection of the middle ear, high- 
pitched sounds are heard best. In testing one ear its mate should ordi¬ 
narily be plugged.—If, in an obstructive deafness, a rather high-pitched 
tuning fork be placed on the middle of the forehead, it will be heard loudest 
in the deaf ear; if in nerve deafness, it will be heard loudest in the sound 
ear; if tuning fork vibrations or a watch-tick are heard faintly, or not at 
all, away from the ear, but are quite audible when the fork-handle, or the 
watch, is placed in contact with the skull, the deafness is due to aural 
disease; but if fork sounds or watch-tick are not heard, or only slightly 
heard, both in contact, and at a distance, the deafness is the result of 
some lesion of the auditory nerve itself or of its connections, according to 
D. G. R. Butler.—The lesion may be caused by some poisoning. Ringing 
(or singing) in the ears, or deafness, or both, may be caused by a poison¬ 
ing with the cinchona alkaloids, salicylic acid, or the salicylates, alcohol, 
ergot, over-use of tobacco, various food-poisonings; etc. All ear-wax 
should be removed, of course, before applying any of these tests. Pressure 
of ear-wax against the ear-drum may simulate the effects of poisonings 
by certain poisons. Regarding hysterical deafness^ Dr. Butler says that it 
affects one ear, occurs suddenly, and usually after great emotion or shock. 


TACTILE (TOUCH), PRESSURE AND WEIGHT TESTS: 

The tactile sense may be tested by drawing the tip of a lead pencil, or 
of the forefinger, lightly along the skin surface—the person being tested 
to have his eyes shut and to announce consciousness of contact as it 
occurs; or, the blunted (by adhesive plaster or cork) points of a pair of 
compasses, or the bare points of a hair-pin, simultaneously and lightly 
applied to the skin, or likewise to the tongue, at varying distances between 
the points, may be used to determine differences in delicate perceptions by 
various parts of the skin, or of the tongue. Sensation of contact at two 
points simultaneously, should normally be perceived at about the distances 
apart below expressed in millimeters and at the respective regions or sites 
therein stated. Perception of two distinctly separate but simultaneous 
contacts, with the two points of the compasses, at notably shorter distance 
between them than stated below, would indicate some degree of hyper- 
esthia at such location. Such perception only at a notably greater distance 
would indicate some degree of anesthesia: 

At the upper back or shoulder region 80 to 60 mm. At the mid-dorsal 
and lower dorsal region of the back 69 to 62. At the mid-thigh and 
mid-forearm and mid-cervical regions, each 62. At back of neck near 
skull SO; at middle of back of neck 37. At upper and lower forearm 
region 40 to 37. On legs, and over about 24 of posterior part of dorsum 
(or back) of foot 40. On dorsum (or back of foot) near base of toes 
37. Over buttocks region 37. Over back of hand 32 to 25 (1 1/5 to 1 
inch). On forehead near eyebrows 22. On dorsum or back (skin surface) 
of innermost bones of fingers 14. At tips of toes, on the temples, eyelids, 
and cheeks, each 12 (about inch). On palm of hand 9. On middle 
region of tongue (by touch sense only) 8. At tip of nose 8 to 6. Palm 
side (skin surface) of second row of finger-bones 4. On mucous surface 
of lips 1 to 3. Palm side of tips of fingers 2 (1/12 inch). Tip of tongue 
1 mm. (1/25 inch). 

In slight local anesthesia, localization (dependent upon contact or 
tactile sense with muscular or weight sense) may be determined, Dr. 
Butler suggests, by touching the skin with the tip of the finger, the 
patient’s eyes being kept closed and the patient asked to put his finger 
on the same spot: “A variation of more than two inches is considered 
abnormal.” 

Increase in closeness of contact produces pressure sense, which upon 
increase may merge into a weight sense, and may finally result in a 
sensation of pain. 

The relative pressure sense of the body may be tested, it is suggested 
by Dr. Butler, in the following manner: Coins of different weights, 
but of about the same size may be laid upon the supported (at rest) 
forearm, back of hand, temple, forehead or abdomen and the patient re¬ 
quested to tell which is the heavier coin.—He says the muscular sense 
may be tested in the same way by not supporting the part being tested. 


260/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


TEMPERATURE TESTS: 

The temperature sense, or skin sense of change in temperature, may 
be tested by using glass tubes of hot and cold water respectively. As the 
surface is touched with each tube in succession, the patient should state 
whether the respective tube appears to be hot or cold. The tester should 
note the correctness or actual reversal of facts, in the responses. The 
tester should note the correctness or actual reversal of facts, in the 
responses. If 60° F. to 65° F. are not called “cold,” and 85° F. to 95° F. 
are not called warm, the temperature sense is not normal. 

Different parts of the surface of the body vary in temperature sense— 
even points close to each other. In testing, for example, the back of the 
hand, it will be observed that certain spots or points are more sensitive, 
normally, to heat, than are others. Still other spots it will be observed 
are more sensitive to cold and neither of these will respond to the reverse 
stimulus. (See Butler, Brubaker, Kirke, Ott, etc.) Under certain inter¬ 
ferences with sensation, as the deadening effects of powerful drugs, etc., the 
temperature sense is diminished or lost, as is also the muscular sense or 
sense of weight-—controlled by the sensations of pressure on the skin and 
of muscular resistance. The recognition of the size, form and general char¬ 
acter of a body or mass is also dependent upon the absence of damage to 
the associated senses. Loss of, or marked diminution in, such perceptions 
are significant usually of the operation of deleterous influences. 


(The average temperature of the mouth is 98.5° F. (36.9° C.) to 
98.6° F. (37° C.); of the rectum 99.5° F. (37.4° C.); in the axilla, 
and in the groin, the average is 98.6° F. (37° C.) There is a normal 
variation of one or two degrees in various internal parts of the body, 
dependent upon the blood supply to the respective part. That part is 
the warmest which contains the most blood and where the greatest amount 
of chemical change occurs—as in the glands and muscles; and the tem¬ 
perature is highest in these when they are in an active state. In reduc¬ 
tion or suspension of their activity through injury—such as shock or 
poisoning—or through disease, the temperature is more or less lowered 
either immediately or ultimately, as the vitality diminishes. The average 
temperature of the body, and of its parts, varies according to the fore¬ 
going and also according to climate, time of the year, the time of day, 
etc. The body temperature is at a lower point during sleep, owing to 
a low metabolism taking place at such time. The body temperature 
appears to average higher in young children and in women than in men.) 


TASTE TESTS: 

Alum tastes sour on the tip of the tongue and sweet on the back part 
of it. Brubaker, Ott and others have found the posterior part of the 
tongue more sensitive to bitter substances than the anterior; and the re¬ 
verse for sweet substances. Ott says: “By the action of drugs one is 
able to abolish certain tastes more readily thon others. Cocaine upon the 
tongue abolishes tactile sensations, and the taste for bitter things, but 
does not interfere with voluntary movement.” Salt intensifies the sweet 
taste of sugar. According to Dr. Butler, the taste sense may be tested by 
protruding the tongue and so keeping it while dropping upon, its upper 
surface at the anterior and the posterior parts, at each side of its median 
line, a solution of quinin for bitter taste, of sugar for sweet taste, of 
table salt for salty taste, and of vinegar for sour or acid taste; but he 
considers the sugar test to be sufficient for all ordinary purposes. G. N'. 
Stewart proposes the use of weak solutions, as sugar 1 to 50, quinin and 
sulphuric acid 1 to 1,000 for each, salt 4 to 200, etc., applied by camels 
hair brush to tongue to determine activity of taste sense.] 


w v - ’I-***. 






SIMULATION OF POISONING BY DISEASE 261 


PART IV. 


SIMULATION OF POISONING BY 
DISEASE, AUTO-INTOXICATION 
AND DISEASE, ACTION 
AND ELIMINATION 
OF POISONS. 

(ALSO SEE PAGES l8-27, IOO AND 329; ALSO PART X.) 


It is well to remember that poisoning is simulated by 
the sudden onset of such affections or diseases as angina 
pectoris, aneurism, embolism, apoplexy, epilepsy, acute 
pneumonia, cholera morbus, uremia, cerebral conges¬ 
tion, etc. 

Among the diseases simulating poisoning by cor¬ 
rosives and irritants are acute gastritis (does not occur 
strictly idiopathically), gastro-enteritis, peritonitis, 
Asiatic and English cholera, and all of the acute inflam¬ 
mations of the alimentary canal, such as dysentery, also 
ileus, strangulated hernia, rupture of abdominal vis¬ 
cera, etc. Sudden death simulating the action of a pow¬ 
erful poison may result from a draught of very cold 
water when the body is much heated. Aneurism, rup¬ 
ture of the stomach due to efforts to vomit, rupture of 
the intestines, biliary ducts, uterus, Fallopian tubes, etc., 
also ovarian apoplexy, have each been mistaken for 
poisoning. Pain, vomiting, collapse, and death within 
24 hours, characterized the symptoms of each; symp¬ 
toms common also to irritant poisoning. The various 
distinctive differential features are to be borne in mind 
in making a diagnosis : 

Purging is an earlier symptom in cholera than it 
is in poisoning. While pain and constriction in the 
throat and bloody vomit are unusual in cholera, they 
are quite common in irritant poisoning. In ileus and 
strangulated hernia there is usually constipation instead 
of diarrhoea, and the vomited matters are fecal. 




262 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Diseases which simulate poisoning by narcotics, etc., 
are uremia, epilepsy, certain fevered states, apoplexy, 
the effects of blows on the head, hydrocephalus, and 
various diseases of the nervous centers characterized 
by coma and insensibility, etc. In diseases simulating 
poisoning by narcotics there are, as a rule, premonitory 
symptoms, and persons of a certain age or condition 
are affected; but in poisoning by narcotics such are 
absent, and persons of any age may be affected. Apo¬ 
plexy usually attacks the old, or prematurely old, and 
while in such poisoning as opium it is possible to arouse 
the patient, in apoplexy such is commonly impossible. 
In epilepsy the diagnosis is, as a rule, assisted by the 
history, the chronic character of the affection, the 
peculiar character and duration of the paroxysms. 

Idiopathic tetanus, although uncommon, may be 
mistaken for the tetanus of strychnine. But in idio¬ 
pathic tetanus the symptoms gradually develop and be¬ 
gin with difficulty in swallowing. Locked-jaw is the 
earliest and most prominent symptom in this form of 
tetanus, and is followed by stiffness of the trunk and 
extremities. In strychnine tetanus the symptoms de¬ 
velop rapidly, reaching their height in a few minutes. 
Locked-jaw is imperfect and may even be absent. 
Opisthotonos is very early and severe, whereas in idio¬ 
pathic tetanus it is much less severe and its appearance 
is delayed for hours or days. In the latter affection 
deglutition is slow, difficult or impossible; in strychnine 
tetanus it is perfect in effect, but peculiarly gulping. 

The tetanoid convulsions of epilepsy and hysteria 
are differentiated from poisoning by the general history 
of the case, the peculiar nature and order of the spasms, 
and rapid alternation of relaxation and contraction. 

In all sudden sickness characterized by severe symp¬ 
toms the physician or other observer should not over¬ 
look the possibility of poisoning, and should make the 
following observations suggested by Dr. Luff: 

1. The time at which the symptoms commenced, and the 
nature of the symptoms. 

2 . The time at which the symptoms commenced after the 
last ingestion of food. 


AUTO-INTOXICATION AND DISEASE 263 


3 . The occurrence of any recent previous illness from which 
the patient may have suffered. 

4 . If the patient has vomited, the vomit should be collected, 
of, if necessary, scraped up from the floor or from the dress, 
bedding, or carpet; if necessary, a portion of the dress, bed¬ 
ding or carpet containing the vomit should be cut out and 
preserved. 

5 . The nature of the food recently taken by the patient 
should be ascertained ; and if suspicion attaches to any articles 
of food, these should be secured by the medical man and 
preserved under seal. 

If the death of the patient occur, in addition to attending to 
the points above mentioned, note should be taken of the 
following: 

1 . The exact time at which death occurred. 

2 . The position of the body with regard to surrounding 
objects; its attitude, and the condition of the dress. 

3 . All surrounding objects should be carefully observed, and 
any bottles, packets, or weapons in the room should be col¬ 
lected and preserved. 

4 . The condition of the body as to lividity or pallor should 
be noted, and also whether the countenance presents a dis¬ 
tressed or calm appearance. 

Not only should any bottle, box, packet or vessel 
and contents be carefully observed, but also all clothing, 
cloths, furniture or furnishings which may afford a 
clue to the cause or condition. Important articles 
should be carefully secured if possible. Appearance, 
manner, etc., of persons present should also be noted. 

Apparently many of the general disorders which seem 
to be related to alimentary irritation, and most of the 
intestinal disorders themselves, result from putrefactive 
disturbances in the alimentary canal, particularly in its 
lower porton. An auto-intoxication or toxaemia, dis¬ 
abling the blood and seriously interfering with general 
nutrition, may result from putrefactive disturbances in 
the alimentary canal and the absorption of the resultant 
toxins. The auto-intoxication may produce such symp¬ 
toms as to simulate various grave diseases. Further¬ 
more it is supposed that bacterial toxins are of the na¬ 
ture of ferments which bring about chemical changes in 
other matter and thus are capable of producing disease, 
as arteriosclerosis, etc. Toxins may produce gastric 
and intestinal irritation, causing severe enteritis, etc. 

In studying the bacteriology of the intestine, we ob- 


264 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


serve that what Tissier calls the “superadded flora” pro¬ 
duce chiefly harmful effects in the intestinal canal. 
These organisms are anaerobic and tend to produce pu¬ 
trefactive changes in the intestinal contents. The hydro¬ 
chloric acid of the chyme, and the action of the di¬ 
gestive secretions of the first part of the small intestine 
retard the action of the putrefactive organisms. The 
putrefactive products are formed from the protein. 
The decomposition of protein is prevented and the num¬ 
ber of putrefactive germs lessened by the production of 
acids from the carbo-hydrates. Vegetable sugar fer¬ 
mentation produces an acid reaction in the intestinal 
canal, destroying the anaerobic organisms; but it may 
create other disturbances. When digestion is active 
there is a prompt absorption of the digestive products, 
leaving but little material in the intestinal canal for the 
production of putrefaction by action of the anaerobes. 
[ Some investigators claim that the contents of the small 
intestine are more poisonous than those of the large in¬ 
testine. They assert that when the pancreatic juice 
mixes with the intestinal juice, particularly that of the 
duodenum, it becomes poisonous. Also that the gastric 
contents become poisonous when they enter the intestine 
and are acted upon by the intestinal juice. It is sup¬ 
posed that various cases called “auto-intoxication at¬ 
tacks” are not suffering from the effects of bacterial 
action, but from the decomposition effects produced by 
the intestinal juices on proteins of no value to the sys¬ 
tem ; the protein molecule is probably irregularly split 
up, by which poisonous products result, which are 
absorbed as such or induce other changes resulting in 
a toxaemia.] 

Tissier divides the intestinal bacteria into: the fun¬ 
damental flora,—Bacillus bifidus, Bacillus coli and the 
enterococcus; the subsidiary flora,—organisms which 
accompany various articles of food, influencing the pro¬ 
duction of acid, and therefore serve to support the 
fundamental flora in their salutary action ; the super- 
added flora, composed of a number of pathogenic 
organisms whose effects in the intestinal canal are 


AUTO-INTOXICATION AND DISEASE 265 


largely harmful,—Bacillus serogenes capsulatus, etc. 
The foul-smelling gases NH3, FI2S and NH4HS are 
produced during putrefaction. Antiseptics (as salol) 
check putrefaction by destruction of the germs con¬ 
cerned in its production. 

Herter gives three varieties of disorder referable to 
bacterial infection and intoxications of intestinal origin, 
viz.: the saccharo-butyric, the indolic, and the 
indolico-saccharo-butyric disturbances. The strict veg¬ 
etarian who is over-indulgent in eating, induces the first 
variety of alimentary disturbance. He overtaxes and 
overburdens his digestive apparatus with such an ex¬ 
cess of vegetable proteid as to cause severe flatulence, 
etc. The Bacillus aerogenes capsulatus and the Bacillus 
enteritidis sporogenes are rarely found in the feces in 
this variety of disturbance, but are present in large 
numbers in the indolic variety. [The ordinary feces 
consist largely of the unabsorbed chyle remnants, un¬ 
digested food, and remnants of intestinal and hepatic 
excretion, all extensively permeated by a vast multitude 
of bacteria. It has been estimated that, when easily 
digested food has been taken, about one-third of the 
solids of the feces consists of bacteria.] 

Great nutrition does not necessarily result from ex¬ 
cessive ingestion of food. On the contrary, normal 
nutrition is apt to be lessened through the tax placed 
upon the digestive and other functions. Appropriation 
of food is dependent upon the character of the food, 
ease of conversion into absorbable material, and the 
perfection with which systemic distribution is made. 
Age, habits, heredity, rest, exercise and idiosyncrasy all 
play an important part in the determination of one’s 
assimilative power, and the bodily condition as to fleshi¬ 
ness, etc. Overabundant ingestion of food results in an 
excessive production of uric acid or other harmful end- 
products. A toxic condition may result from a disturb¬ 
ance of the relationship between producton and elimi¬ 
nation, as well as from overproducton or deficient 
elimination. Functional disturbances may in time be¬ 
come structural ones. Toxic matter may be thrown into 


266 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


the circulation by a functional disturbance, injuriously 
affecting the parenchyma cells of organs distant from 
the seat of original disturbance, producing degenerative 
changes in such organs. There seems to be an affinity 
on the part of certain toxins for certain tissue cells. 

In acute disorders of digestion, and in many other 
affections, nature endeavors to protect the body against 
the effects of injurious substances by developing a 
leucocytosis. Under certain conditions she also de¬ 
velops anti-bodies for protective purposes. To co¬ 
operate, we produce soluble toxins in such suitable 
media as broth, etc., from the organisms of tetanus, 
botulism, diphtheria, etc., and with them develop spe¬ 
cific antidotes, which we call antitoxins, to counteract 
the effects of the organisms and their products. 

In cases of decomposition effects apparently caused 
by the decomposing action of the intestinal juices on 
valueless proteins; also where, in intestinal lesion or 
general disease, a condition of so-called auto-intoxica¬ 
tion results dependent upon putrefactive changes in the 
intestinal canal caused by bacterial action, it is import¬ 
ant that the protein diet—such as eggs and meat—be 
reduced. By such reduction, less material is provided 
for protein decomposition or for the putrefactive 
organisms to live upon and produce their putrefactive 
products. [Strictly fresh eggs contain little or no toxin, 
but meat altho quite fresh, usually contains toxins; the 
less fresh, the more toxins, and heating does not destroy 
them.] Putrefactive bacillary processes occur chiefly 
in the colon, from which they may extend up into the 
small intestine and even into the stomach. Their effects 
are more toxic than mechanical in character, affecting 
chiefly the blood and nervous system. As previously 
indicated, carbohydrates should be eaten, in order that 
they may serve as food for acid-forming organisms and 
thereby diminish the putrefactive processes. Further¬ 
more, the direct destruction of the putrefactive organ¬ 
isms may be attempted by means of direct intestinal 
disinfection, through the use of intestinal antiseptics. 
But if these are used in sufficient strength and quantity 


INTESTINAL PUTREFACTION 


267 


to be effective, they are liable to disturb digestion and 
also to injure the mucous membrane; or they may be 
absorbed before they can act; or they may be rendered 
inactive by proteids in the intestinal canal. 

The lactic acid bacillus, which is not a putrefactive 
organism, has the power to arrest putrefactive proc¬ 
esses in the intestinal canal. This effect is claimed for 
both the Bulgaricus and the Hueppe varieties. 

Prof. Elie Metchnikoff of the Institut Pasteur, Paris, 
carefully prepared cultures of the bacillus Bulgaricus, 
which cultures he named Lactobacilline. This prep¬ 
aration, in the form of either tablets, liquid, or powder, 
containing the live bacilli, he has recommended as a 
bacillary treatment of microbial and fermentative affec¬ 
tions of the alimentary canal. The tablets may be swal¬ 
lowed, or one of the preparations may be employed to 
sour milk to be used for both protective and nutritive 
purposes. When the preparation is used, the bacilli in it 
multiply and act upon the carbohydrates they encounter, 
producing lactic acid. The lactic acid appears to have 
an antiseptic action in the alimentary canal, arresting 
the production of putrefactive organisms and their 
toxic products. When Lactobacilline is used to sour 
milk (preferably pasteurised milk) the bacilli multiply, 
lactic acid is produced by the action of the bacilli upon 
the milk sugar, and the casein is made very soluble. 
Klotz, Leon and many others recommend sour milk thus 
•prepared. [The ordinary “souring of milk” produces a 
natural curdling, the curd consisting mainly of casein, 
the result of the precipitation of caseinogen, the chief 
proteid of milk.] There are several preparations on the 
market quite similar to Lactobacilline. The use of but¬ 
termilk in place of sour milk has also been recom¬ 
mended. Buttermilk tablets, called Lactone, pure cul¬ 
tures of the Hueppe lactic acid bacilli, are used to pro¬ 
duce a variety of buttermilk said to retain all the food 
elements of fresh milk, etc. Lactic acid itself may be 
given for its corrective influence in cases of intestinal 
putrefaction instead of taking or using the Lactobacil¬ 
line, etc.; but the acid is quite liable to cause gastric 


268 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


and renal irritation and it is also probable that it will be 
decomposed before reaching the large intestine. 

Acid intoxication, a form of auto-intoxication, re¬ 
sults from loading the blood and tissues with such acids 
as lactic, sarcolactic, sulphuric, phosphoric, uric or fatty 
acids, due to proteid decomposition or imperfect oxida¬ 
tion. They manifest their presence by various nervous 
disturbances—sometimes mental dulness or coma—and 
particularly by a free elimination of their compounds 
in the urine. Bodily fatigue has been assumed to be 
caused by an analogous auto-intoxication. 

The normal alkalinity of the blood is reduced in 
chloroform absorption, and in acute alcoholic intoxica¬ 
tion through the production of volatile fatty acids, pro¬ 
ducing more or less marked systemic disturbance. Per¬ 
haps the benign effects resulting from the administra¬ 
tion of ammonia in cases of acute alcoholic intoxication 
may be accounted for to some extent by an acid¬ 
neutralizing effect upon the blood. 

It appears that at times or under certain conditions 
the stomach acts as an excreting organ in the effort to 
remove some special poison from the system. In vari¬ 
ous cases of hysterical and nervous crises, accompanied 
by severe headache and altered vision, the stomach con¬ 
tents were observed to be decidedly toxic. No poison 
had been taken and the toxic condition was not caused 
by food remnants or food decomposition. The stomach 
appears to have been acting as an excretory organ, re¬ 
moving toxic material from the circulatory system. 
Apparently, the mental state is of very great import¬ 
ance, from a toxicological standpoint.. 

An auto-intoxication dependent upon the produc¬ 
tion of putrefactive changes in the intestine, frequently 
causes great prostration, rapid emaciation, distressing 
pain in the head, disturbance of vision and various 
alarming nervous phenomena. The absorbed toxins 
may produce a degree of toxaemia seemingly imminently 
fatal in its effects. The treatment for the relief of an 
attack consists of a thorough cleansing of the ali¬ 
mentary canal, employment of heat, careful stimula- 


ACTION OF POISONS IN DISEASE 


269 


tion, anodynes, etc. To prevent recurrent attacks there 
should be a thorough investigation of the patient’s con¬ 
dition; an examination of the feces, and also of the 
urine to determine if the trouble is referable to the 
phenol, indol or skatol group. The comparative num¬ 
ber of given bacteria found should be noted and serve as 
a guide in conducting the treatment. Careful dieting, 
sometimes the bacillary treatment, and colonic irri¬ 
gation observance of the laws of hygiene, mental 
quietude, and gentle tonic treatment favor recovery. 

Regarding the action of poisons in disease, as stated 
elsewhere, certain poisons are less active in certain 
diseases. On the other hand, the action of certain 
poisons is more severe in certain diseases. 

The absorption of such poisonous substances as 
chloral, opium, digitalis, belladonna, etc., may be greatly 
interfered with in alcoholism. This results from the 
blood and tissues being heavily charged with alcohol. 
Hence in delirium tremens these substances may be 
given in more frequent and larger doses than in the 
normal state. However, death may result from the 
repeated administration of large doses of such agents 
as opium, chloral, etc., to intoxicated persons; the fatal 
result being due to the action of such poison after 
the elimination of the alcohol from the system. Saliva¬ 
tion readily results when small doses of mercury are 
given in renal disease. Therefore, the effects of a poison 
are greatly dependent upon the condition of the system. 

The general action of poisons, in the absence of or 
independent of disease, is very clearly and concisely 
stated by Robert as follows: 

Some of the agents, such as the salts of the heavy metals, 
will readily combine with the protein substance, thereby caus¬ 
ing their destruction, viz., necrosis of the tissues involved; 
others, such as concentrated acids and caustic alkalies, act 
also as powerful irritants and cause a reactive inflammation; 
still others, as strychnin, morphin, curare, muscarin, cause an 
excitation and enfeebling of the nerves, muscles, or glands of 
the affected parts, without any marked apparent changes. 




270 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


The remote effect is produced by the absorption of the 
poison into the lymphatics and into the blood, causing general 
symptoms and diseases of other organs—e. g., of the kidneys, 
following the administration of cantharidin; of the brain, 
after taking opium; of the intestine, after quillaic acid. Prac¬ 
tically, the remote action is really a local one produced by the 
poisoned blood circulating everywhere. 

The poison, as it circulates in the blood, may be either 
decomposed, or it may enter into the combination with the 
blood constituents and thus change the composition of the 
blood, or it may reach the various organs in its original con¬ 
dition. Physiology teaches us that various endosmotic changes 
take place in these organs, depending upon their functions, 
upon the formation of their constituent elements, and upon 
the number and arrangement of the capillaries passing through 
them. The chemical constitution and physical properties of 
the poison will determine, to a varying degree, the role it 
plays in these changes by participating in the interaction of 
the vessels of the tissues. The presence of this foreign sub¬ 
stance sooner or later disturbs, to a greater or less degree, 
the healthy condition and function of the organs particularly 
affected; and, again, this cannot take place without a reaction 
upon the whole body. The animal organism, however, pos¬ 
sesses four means of rendering partly or entirely harmless 
poisons which have entered the system: 

i. Rapid Elimination—Under this head, naturally, we first 
mention vomiting which, fortunately, occurs so promptly 
following the introduction of most poisons into the stomach 
that it generally saves the life of a patient, or at least has 
already materially lessened the danger to life before the phy¬ 
sician puts in an appearance. We should call this vomiting, 
which takes place before the absorption of the poison, pri¬ 
mary vomiting, in contradistinction to a secondary emesis, 
which takes place following absorption, and which latter is 
either exclusively a sign of disturbed cerebral activity or is 
caused by the excretion of the poison from the blood into the 
stomach. In an analogous manner we must differentiate be¬ 
tween a primary diarrhoea, which carries off the poison before 
absorption, and a secondary purging, which is a sign of dis¬ 
turbed intestinal innervation, or is caused by the excretion 
of the poison from the blood into the lumen of the gut. Some 
poisons are not removed by vomiting or purging, but appear 
in the urine in a remarkably short time. Thus, for example, 
it is impossible to produce complete curarization by the ad¬ 
ministration of moderate, though oft-repeated, doses of curare, 
because the excretion of the poison through the kidneys takes 
place as rapidly as does absorption. The liver, pancreas, gas¬ 
tric mucous membrane (for morphin), intestinal mucous mem¬ 
brane (for mercury), salivary glands, mammary glands, and 
transformed into an increase of alkalescency, since even the 
lungs and other channels are effective in assisting the excre- 


ACTION AND ELIMINATION OF POISONS. 271 


tion of various substances from the blood. Not nearly enough 
attention was formerly given to the excretion through the 
glands of the mucous membrane of the stomach. Finally, 
elimination takes place through the structure of the skin, es¬ 
pecially through the sweat-glands. 

2. The organism deposits and fixes poisons, in a manner 
not vet sufficiently understood, in several organs, especially in 
the liver, which certainly must be regarded as a filter for 
poisons, so far, at least, as enzymes (e.g., emulsin), metals 
(e.g., iron), metalloids (e.g., arsenic), and alkaloids (e.g., 
strychnin) are concerned. It is probable that, in the case of 
some substances, the biliary acids play an important part in the 
matter. We can hardly imagine that this disposition is accom¬ 
plished in any other way than in the transformation of the 
readily soluble poisons into saline combinations, not freely 
soluble (bile-acid-alkaloids) or into albumen derivatives 
(metalbuminates). But, since these combinations are in no 
case entirely soluble, the beneficial action of the liver consists 
only in the fact that it gives the acute poisoning a more pro¬ 
tracted, and consequently a milder, form. 

3. The organism renders the poisons innocuous by phago¬ 
cytosis. This destructive crusade carried on in the interests of 
the body by phagocytes, which has not yet been sufficiently 
inquired into pharmacologically, is applicable for certain 
toxalbumins (toxopeptone, enzymes), as well as for heavy 
metals. 

4. The organism transforms the poison into a N compara¬ 
tively harmless, though readily soluble combination. Such a 
transformation may consist of neutralization, oxidation, reduc¬ 
tion, coupling, splitting, and peculiar changing of the chemical 
constitution. (1) As an example of poisons rendered inert by 
neutralization, we must mention the acids, which are trans¬ 
formed, as far as possible, by the organism into the corre¬ 
sponding alkaline salts of less poisonous, or absolutely non- 
poisonous. properties. So far as the stomach is concerned, the 
organism attempts to balance any excess of alkali by the acids 
of the gastric juice and does the same thing in the blood by 
the decomposition of an immense number of blood-corpuscles, 
whereby glycero-phosphoric acid is formed from lecithin. 
Caustic lime is combined with carbamic acid and then ex¬ 
creted. (2) The best-known example of inertia produced by 
oxidation is that of phosphorus, which is transformed into 
phosphates. In an analogous manner the extremely poisonous 
sulphids are converted into sulphates which are relatively non- 
poisonous. The organic acids and their salts are oxidized to 
the ultimate degree, producing carbonates, and it is a promi¬ 
nent and important fact that in the latter case the dangerous 
diminution of the alkalescencv bv meins of these acids 
bicarbonates are of alkaline reaction. (3) Examples of pro¬ 
ducing inertia by means of reduction are offered in the case of 
iodates, chlorates and perchlorates, which are excreted in the 


272 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


markedly less poisonous form of chlorids and iodids. (4) In¬ 
ertia produced by coupling is one of the most remarkable facts 
in physiological chemistry. An intimate knowledge of this 
phenomenon is as imperative for the physician at the bedside 
as for the chemist intrusted with the chemical analysis of the 
remains. A poison can unite by coupling: (a) with sulphuric 
acid (e. g., phenol and cresol; ( b ) with glycuronic acid (e. g. 
camphor, borneol, menthol) ; (c) with glycocoll (e. g., benzoic 
acid, anisic acid, a part of salicylic acid). (5) Inertia produced 
by splitting occurs with tannic acid of nutgalls, and with some 
glucosids (e. g., salicin). (6) Examples of changes peculiar to 
themselves, as productive of inertia, are offered by the salts 
of ammonia, which are transformed into urea. 

The liver is the most important organ in producing changes 
in poisons peculiar to themselves. Coupling occurs partly in 
the liver and partly in the kidney. Splitting processes take 
place mainly in the intestinal canal, although the liver must 
also be considered in this connection. 

For a time it seemed that we were justified in supposing 
that organic substances could be divided into two well-defined 
classes, according to their respective actions exhibited within 
the animal body; the substances of the fatty series were sup¬ 
posed to be destroyed, while those of the aromatic series were 
not. To-day we know that this does not hold good for all 
substances; not even oxamid, belonging to the fatty series, a 
trace of which is oxidized; and tyrosin, a member of the aro¬ 
matic series, which can be completely transformed into urea, 
carbon dioxid and water. 

This observation, therefore, can at the present time be 
stated only in the following form: Organic substances con¬ 
taining annular linkage within the molecule are frequently not 
oxidized to form carbon dioxid, water, and urea. It is imma¬ 
terial whether or not they belong to the aromatic series proper. 
Substances not containing annular linkage, which are oxidized 
with difficulty or not at all, are mainly certain amids. 

One of the foremost tasks of scientific pharmacology is to 
explain the relation between the chemical structure of a sub¬ 
stance and its pharmacological action. Unfortunately, it can 
only be said at present that uniform laws, which would be of 
great service to the physician, have not yet been discovered. 

As regards irregularity in elementary function: 
It may encourage certain intestinal bacteria to pro¬ 
duce an excess fermentation of sugars and starches, 
or an excessive breaking-down of proteids; such 
breaking-down and absorption of the products, re¬ 
sult in the so-called intestinal intoxication. Strictly, 
this condition should not be called auto-intoxica¬ 
tion, but the latter term limited to disease caused 
by some functional digestive disturbance. 



ACID CARBOLIC 


273 


PART V. 

TABLE OF IDENTIFICATION TESTS 

FOR POISONS. 

(AN EPITOME OP SOME OP THB PRINCIPAL TESTS) 

ACID CARBOLIC (PHENOL). 

Carbolic acid added either to albumin or collodion 
causes such to coagulate. 

An aqueous solution of carbolic acid treated with 
one drop of ferric chloride solution gives a permanent 
violet blue color (the reaction may be interfered with 
by the presence in excess of hydrochloric or acetic 
acid or alcohol); the color produced by creosote with 
ferric chloride solution is at first violet blue, but 
changes rapidly to greenish and brown, with forma* 
tion usually of a brown precipitate. 

With bromine water, carbolic acid forms a white 
flocculent precipitate of tribrom-phenol. Under the 
microscope it appears as acicuiar crystals. 

Carbolic acid mixed with ammonia water and a little 
chlorinated soda solution, and warmed, develops a blue 
color. To a few drops of carbolic acid solution on a 
white porcelain surface add three or four drops of 
a solution of one part of molybdic acid in ten or fifteen 
parts of concentrated sulphuric acid; a yellowish- 
brown coloration results, which is soon followed by a 
beautiful purple color. 

When carbolic acid is in the urine, it is in combina¬ 
tion with the sulphates, so that neither the sulphuric 
nor the phenol radical will respond to the usual tests; 
but the natural quantities of sulphates again appear if 
the urine be boiled with hydrochloric acid. The pre¬ 
ceding tests may then be employed. 

In making post-mortem investigations, the odor of 




274 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


carbolic acid is, as a rule, observable upon opening the 
body. The stomach contents are to be acidified and 
distilled, and the various tests applied to the dis¬ 
tillate. 


ACID HYDROCHLORIC. 

Hint.—All acids turn blue litmus red. 

If a glass rod be dipped in ammonia water and then 
held over hydrochloric acid, dense white fumes are pro¬ 
duced. 

Hydrochloric acid, even in diluted solutions, treated 
with silver nitrate, gives a curdy white precipitate which 
is dissolved upon adding ammonia water, and reprecip¬ 
itated by nitric acid. 


ACID HYDROCYANIC. 

A characteristic test is its odor: it has the odor of 
bitter almonds or peach kernels. 

A glass rod moistened with silver nitrate becomes 
milky in the vapor of hydrocyanic acid. 

By silver nitrate, the acid is precipitated as silver 
cyanide, a white, curdy precipitate, not soluble in cold 
or weak nitric acid, but entirely soluble in boiling con¬ 
centrated nitric acid. 

To the suspected liquid add a little solution of potash 
and then a mixture of ferrous and ferric sulphates; 
a dirty greenish-blue precipitate results, which, should 
hydrocyanic acid be present, becomes clear Prussian 
blue on acidifying with pure hydrochloric acid. 

Liebig’s test (characteristic in the absence of me- 
conic acid) :— 

Treat a solution of hydrocyanic acid with ammonium 
sulphide, and gently heat; a white sulphocyanide of 
ammonium is produced; by touching this with a drop 
of persulphate or perchloride of iron, a blood-red sul- 
phocyanate of iron results. 

Make suspected fluid slightly alkaline with potash; 
add cupric sulphate solution and a greenish-white pre- 


ACID NITRIC 


275 


cipitate will be obtained; add a few drops of hydro¬ 
chloric acid, and it turns white. 

If, in post-mortem investigations, the jar in which 
the liver, brain, stomach and contents, and other or¬ 
gans, is received, is gently warmed, and a glass rod or 
watch glass moistened with silver nitrate solution held 
over its mouth, the vapor which rises from the contents 
of the jar will, if hydrocyanic acid is present, form 
white, crystalline silver cyanid, on the rod or watch 
glass. This may be proved to be silver cyanid and 
not silver chlorid by its turning blue, upon adding 
hydrochloric acid and a mixture of ferrous and ferric 
sulphate. Extended chemical analysis is carried out 
as indicated in Part V of this book. 

As a rule, hydrocyanic acid may be found in the 
body for about three weeks after death. But in case 
of body decomposition the sulphuretted hydrogen gen¬ 
erated may convert the acid into the thiocyanate. In 
such case the thiocyanate should be dissolved out by 
alcohol, and this followed by filtration and evaporation. 
The residue should then be dissolved in water and 
tested by a ferric salt. Thiocyanate has been found 
in the body as long a time after death as four months. 
The fact that thiocyanates are found in the saliva and 
the latter may have been mixed with the material under 
investigation, should not be overlooked. 

ACID NITRIC. 

Concentrated nitric acid is known by its orange 
colored, irritating fumes. Poured on copper filings 
it effervesces, gives off red acrid vapor and, a blue 
liquid remains. 

Nitric acid mixed with hydrochloric acid dissolves 
gold. A trace of nitric acid with sulphuric acid gives 
a blood-red color with narcotine. The strong acid 
gives a deep red color with brucine. 

Nitric acid stains all albuminoid substances yellow; 
gives a yellow stain on skin or piece of quill; reddens 
morphine and its salts; blackens green iron sulphate 
in the presence of sulphuric acid. 


2 76 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ACID OXALIC. 

The crystals are oblique, flattened, octahedral prisms, 
colorless, odorless, permanent in the air, and very acid; 
thus distinguished from crystals of magnesium sul¬ 
phate, and zinc sulphate. When the crystals are 
heated they melt, dissipate without charring and leave 
no residue. 

Cupric sulphate added to solution of oxalic acid 
gives a light-blue precipitate of cupric oxalate not re¬ 
dissolved by a few drops of hydrochloric acid. 

Adding lime water forms calcium oxalate, which 
is insoluble in excess of lime water but soluble in nitric 
acid or hydrochloric acid, but not in any vegetable 
acid. 

To a solution of oxalic acid add silver nitrate and 
a white precipitate of oxalate of silver is produced, 
soluble in nitric acid; when dried and heated on plati¬ 
num foil it detonates and evolves a white vapor. 

In post-mortem analyses, acidify the material to be 
tested (kidneys, stomach and contents, etc.) with hy¬ 
drochloric acid and digest the whole for several hours 
with dilute alcohol, stirring frequently. After filtra¬ 
tion ammonium hydroxid should be added to the fil¬ 
trate until the latter is alkaline; acetic acid should then 
be added until a slight excess results; then add cal¬ 
cium chlorid; after thorough stirring stand the mix¬ 
ture aside. If a precipitate results, it is from the 
combination of oxalic acid with calcium. Under the 
microscope the characteristic octahedral crystals may 
be identified. The salt turns gray upon being heated. 
Dissolve some of the precipitate in water, acidify with 
dilute sulphuric acid; upon adding a few drops of 
potassium permanganate solution, decolorization of the 
permanganate occurs. 

ACID SULPHURIC. 

The acid looks oily and is heavy. It feels soapy 
in the fingers. Concentrated sulphuric acid is usually 
white, or if impure, a brownish colored liquid, and 
chars wood or other organic matter. 


ALKALIES. 


277 


Upon mixing it with water, heat is evolved. It 
forms sulphurous acid gas when boiled with mercury. 

Add a small portion of veratrine to some of the 
diluted acid, carefully evaporate to dryness, and a crim¬ 
son-purple color is obtained. Sulphuric acid gives a 
white precipitate with barium chloride. 

ALKALIES (SOLUTIONS OF AMMONIA, 

POTASSA, SODA). 

The alkalies turn red litmus blue. 

They feel soapy in the fingers. 

They are not precipitated by adding solution of 
potassium carbonate as the solution of alkaline earths 
are. They neutralize acids, and saponify fats. 

The presence of one of the caustic alkalies, in vom¬ 
ited matters or stomach contents, may be suspected, 
when in addition to alkaline reaction and soapy feeling 
in the fingers, the suspected materials become frothy 
when shaken, and produce but slight effervescence 
upon adding an acid. Potash, or soda, would be indi¬ 
cated if, when the suspected materials are warmed, 
ammoniacal odor is absent, and the holding over them 
of a glass rod, dipped in hydrochloric acid, produces 
no cloudy effect upon the surface of the rod. If some 
of the suspected material be filtered, the filtrate evap¬ 
orated to dryness, then heated to a dull red heat until 
all organic matter is destroyed, and then cooled, upon 
adding a small quantity of dilute hydrochloric acid a 
solution is obtained with which to determine whether 
the alkali is potash or soda. Upon testing this solution 
with a platinum wire held in the colorless flame of 
a Bunsen burner, a lavender color imparted to the 
flame indicates potassium, a yellow one sodium. 

ALKALOIDS. 

Wormley’s test directs to treat the suspected sub¬ 
stance, in solution, with an alcoholic solution of picric 
acid, and if alkaloids are present a yellow precipitate 
will be obtained. 


m A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

Mayer's reagent gives a white precipitate with alka¬ 
loids. 

Wagner's reagent gives with alkaloids a brown pre¬ 
cipitate soluble in alcohol. 

A powder of either brucine, delphine, morphine, im¬ 
pure strychnine, or physostigmine with nitric acid, 
gives a red color; if by adding stannic chloride it be¬ 
comes violet, it is brucine; if it becomes black, it is del¬ 
phine ; if it is soluble, giving off free iodine when iodic 
acid is added, it is morphine; if not soluble and will not 
decompose- iodic acid, it is strychnine; if the powder 
became green when nitric acid was added, it is so- 
lanine; if the powder is insoluble in ether and does not 
redden nitric acid, it is emetine; if it is soluble in 
ether, does not redden nitric acid, and is volatilized, it 
is atropine; if it is soluble in ether, does not redden 
nitric acid, and is not volatilized, it is veratrine. 

ACONITINE, COCAINE, CONIINE, DATURINE, NICOTINE, 
ETC., AND GLUCOSIDE SOLANIN. 

Aconitine. 

Pure Aconitine crystals are colorless and transpar¬ 
ent. If a solution of aconitine be applied to the 
skin it produces a sensation of heat and numbness. 
It is said that so small a quantity as one one-hundredth 
part of a grain, dissolved in spirit and rubbed into 
the skin, will cause a loss of feeling which will con¬ 
tinue for quite a while. For toxicological analysis a 
modification of Stas’ process is employed. (See 
text-books). 

Stas’ Method. —In this method the organic mat¬ 
ters are extracted by strong alcohol, tartaric acid 
being added. Then the filtered solution is carefully 
neutralized with soda, shaken up with ether, and a 
pipette used to separate the ethereal solution. Some 
analysts have recommended that chloroform be used 
in place of the ether, and that amyl alcohol also be 
used; also that acetic, hydrochloric, and sulphuric 
be substituted for tartaric acid. Otto proposed a 
modification of Stas’ method, and such modification 


ALKALOIDS. 


279 


is considered by very many chemists to be a decided 
improvement over the original method of Stas. 
Dragendorff’s method is quite frequently employed 
in the isolation and identification of alkaloids. (See 
books on organic analysis). 

Cocaine. 

In aqueous solution, cocaine^is best identified by 
means of the crystalline precipitates which platinum 
chloride, gold chloride and picric acid produce. 
In very dilute solution iodine in potassium iodide 
produces a rose-colored precipitate; and a non¬ 
crystalline brown one in stronger solutions. 

If a small portion of cocaine is covered with fum¬ 
ing nitric acid and dried on a water bath, then 
when cold, moistened with a drop of solution of po¬ 
tassium hydroxid in absolute alchohol, a distinct 
odor of citronella or peppermint may be observed. 

Coniine. 

The leaves of parsley may readily be mistaken for 
those of conium. In suspected poisoning by 
conium, the contents of stomach and intestines 
should be carefully examined for the remains 
of hemlock seeds or leaves. Suspicious leaves should 
be carefully rubbed up in a mortar with potassa to 
bring out the peculiarly mousy smell of conium leaves. 

Employ Stas’ process in analysis. 

Coniine is found chiefly in the conium seeds, and 
is exceedingly powerful and fatal. 

If a drop of coniine is put in a watch-glass, over 
which another watch glass be placed, on the under 
surface of which has been put a drop of pure hydro¬ 
chloric acid, dense, white fumes will quickly fill the 
enclosed space, and the coniine be changed into a 
quantity of beautiful, delicate, crystalline needles. 
These do not deliquesce upon exposure to air. 

Daturine. 

Stramonium seeds are kidney shaped, wrinkled, 
black or brown in color, and larger than the seeds of 


280 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


belladonna or hyoscyamus. Daturine may be de¬ 
tected in the stomach and other organs by the same 
analytical processes as employed for Atropine. 

Nicotine. 

Upon adding a solution of iodine in ether to an 
ethereal solution of nicotine, after some time long 
needle-like crystals form. 

Platinum cliloride causes a yellow precipitate to 
form which is soluble in hydrochloric acid, and 
appears crystalline under the microscope. 

Picric acid produces a yellow, amorphous precipi¬ 
tate, which under the microscope appears as a crys¬ 
talline tuft. For organic analysis Stas’ process is 
advantageously employed. 

The Glucoside Solanin. 

In the pure state solanin appears as delicate, 
acicular crystals, soluble in ethyl and amyl alco¬ 
hol, slightly soluble in ether, almost insoluble in 
water and altogether insoluble in chloroform. A hot 
amylic alcohol solution of solanin gelatinizes upon 
cooling, even though but little solanin be present. 

Sulphuric acid turns solanin to an orange-yellow 
color, after which it dissolves it and such solution 
turns brown. 

When solanin is present in an organic mixture a 
modification of Stas’ process is employed for its 
determination. 

ANESTHETICS. 

Chloroform and Chloral. 

Such organic mixtures as the contents of the stom¬ 
ach usually retain the odor of chloroform for some 
time. After distilling such mixtures on a water 
bath, the distillate should be redistilled with calcium 
chlorid, and then the proper tests for odor, solubil¬ 
ity, etc., applied. When heated with an alcoholic 
solution of caustic potash and a few drops of anilin, 
chloroform gives off an unpleasant odor, similar to 
that of witch hazel. After chloroform has been 


ANTIMONY. 


281 


extracted from the stomach by distillation, it may be 
tested by passing the vapor through a flame, whereby 
decomposition into carbon, chlorine, and hydro¬ 
chloric acid will occur. The carbon is easily rec¬ 
ognized by its black deposit; the hydrochloric acid 
by its turning blue litums red; the chlorine by its 
effect upon starch paper which has been dipped in a 
solution of potassium iodide, the iodine being set 
free by the decomposition of the potassium iodide, 
the starch turns blue. 

Chloral. —In testing for chloral, the chloral should 
be converted into chloroform by mixing with an alkali. 

After the solid matters have been properly divided 
they should be diluted with distilled water, sodium 
hydroxid added to alkalinity, then after heating in 
a flask, conduct the remainder of the examination as 
in chloroform analysis. 

ANTIMONY. 

Tartar emetic is the principal medicinal salt of anti¬ 
mony. 

Tartar emetic is soluble in water, but not in alcohol. 
If a portion of tartar emetic is heated to redness, it 
chars, emits an odor of burning sugar, and leaves a 
black residue, having an alkaline reaction. If this is 
mixed with charcoal and heated in a small glass tube, 
a dark mirror-like ring of metallic antimony will form 
in the cooler portion of the tube. 

A solution of tartar emetic treated with tincture of 
nutgall or solution of tannic acid gives a whitish-yel¬ 
low precipitate of tannate of antimony. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gives an orange colored pre¬ 
cipitate with antimony solution. 

(See also Marsh’s and Reinsclrs Tests, described 
under arsenic.) 

ANTIPYRINE. 

Antipyrine gives a red color with ferric chloride; 
the color disappears upon adding a few drops of sul¬ 
phuric acid. 


282 


A MANUAL 6F TOXICOLOGY. 


Antipyrine gives a green color with nitric acid. To 
a solution add 12 drops of sulphuric acid, 2.5 grammes 
of sodium metaphosphate, filter and add a few drops 
of solution of sodium nitrate, and a green color is 
obtained. 


ARSENIC. 

Gives garlic-like odor when sublimed on charcoal 
or red-hot iron. When heated in glass tube it sub¬ 
limes, forming small octahedral crystals on the sides 
of the tube. Sulphuretted hydrogen gives a yellow 
precipitate with arsenic. Ammoniated solution of 
cupric sulphate gives a green precipitate. 

Marsh's Test: Introduce some pieces of zinc, free 
from arsenic and antimony, into a bottle holding about 
150 c.c.; then pour over them sulphuric acid, diluted 
with 4 parts of distilled water; close the flask with a 
cork containing a funnel tube, which reaches nearly to 
the bottom of the bottle and a delivery tube, drawn to 
a fine point, into which a bulb containing a pledget of 
cotton has been introduced. After allowing the gen¬ 
eration of hydrogen to go on for about half an hour, to 
expel the air from the upper part of the flask, light the 
gas at the open end of the delivery tube and hold a 
cold porcelain surface down upon the flame. If the 
zinc and sulphuric acid used contain no arsenic or 
antimony, no black stain will be produced on the por¬ 
celain. It thus being evident that the apparatus and 
materials are free from arsenic, put out the flame and 
pour the suspected fluid through the funnel tube so as 
to admit little or no air with it into the flask. Then 
ignite the gas and test the flame again with the cold 
porcelain surface. If a brilliant black or brown stain, 
soluble in a solution of chlorinated soda is obtained 
it is probably arsenic. If you moisten one of these 
spots with nitric acid it should disappear, then evap¬ 
orate the acid over a lamp, moisten the spot with water, 
and hold the dish over a vessel containing sulphuretted 
hydrogen, prepared by the action of sulphuric or hy¬ 
drochloric acid upon sodium or potassium sulphide. 


ARSENIC. 


If the stain was due to arsenic, the spot will turn 
lemon-yellow. The antimony mirror is insoluble in 
chlorinated soda (Labarraque’s Solution), and after 
treatment as above, gives an orange stain. Now 
soften the glass, bend the delivery tube downward, and 
let it dip into a solution of silver nitrate; after an hour 
pour some very weak solution of ammonium hydroxide 
upon the surface of the silver nitrate solution. A yel¬ 
low precipitate at the line of separation of the two 
liquids shows the presence of arsenic. If the sub¬ 
stance to be tested is a solid, a small portion of it 
may be thrown upon glowing charcoal, when if arsenic 
be present, it will give a garlic-like odor. 

[Various modifications of Marsh’s test have been 
proposed by different writers; one, in which, instead 
of the use of porcelain, the arsenic is deposited in a 
drawn-out narrow tube, as advised by Otto and 
others.] 

Reinsch’s Test may also be employed as follows: 

Boil the liquid suspected of containing arsenic, with 
one-sixth of its bulk of pure hydrochloric acid. Then, 
or before boiling, introduce a bright slip of copper 
when, if arsenic be present, it will coat the copper 
with an iron-gray deposit. Remove the copper, wash 
it with distilled water and dry it between folds of 
blotting paper. Then cut it into slips, introduce it 
into a reduction tube and apply heat, when, if arsenic 
be present, arsenous acid will be sublimed and de¬ 
posited on the sides of the tube in minute octahedral 
crystals. These may be dissolved in water and tested 
by the various reagents. 

Antimony deposits nearer the copper than arsenic 
does, and it produces a blue or violet tinted deposit on 
tne copper foil. The interference encountered by the 
presence of organic matter in the suspected mixture 
may be overcome by separating the arsenic by dialysis. 

The copper and hydrochloric acid used in the above 
process should have been previously tested as to purity 
by boiling the copper with a mixture of the acid and 
distilled water* 


284 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


When arsenic is supposed to be present in organic 
matters, a distillation process may advantageously be 
resorted to as follows: Dry the suspected matters on a 
water bath, not using too great heat. Then introduce 
them into a flask fitted with a long bent tube; add a 
quantity of strong hydrochloric acid (previously 
proved free from arsenic), sufficient to drench the ma¬ 
terial. Digest the whole for several hours. Then 
apply heat to the flask by means of a sand-bath and a 
receiver, containing a little water, fitted to the bent 
tube. Both receiver and tube should be kept cool. By 
this distillation process arsenic passes over in the form 
of arsenous chloride and is collected in the receiver. 
An additional portion of hydrochloric acid may be 
used to remove any traces of arsenic in the organic 
material. The arsenic may be obtained from the 
chloride by boiling with pure polished copper, as de¬ 
scribed above in Reinsch’s process. 

BARIUM SALTS. 

A few drops of sulphuric acid dropped in the sus¬ 
pected fluid gives a white precipitate, insoluble in nitric 
acid. 

[If the barium is in a colored menstrum, it should 
be bleached with chlorine; then drive off the chlorine 
by heat before applying the test.] 

Burnt on platinum wire barium salts give a greenish 
flame. 

BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE. 

Treat the suspected substance with a few drops of 
concentrated sulphuric acid and warm. If atropine be 
present an odor resembling a mixture of roses and 
orange flowers develops; on now gradually adding a 
few minute fragments of potassium dichromate, the 
odor will change to that of bitter almonds; the color 
will be green. 

Atropine dilates the pupils when a drop of a very 
weak solution is introduced into the eye. 

In suspected poisoning by Belladonna, the vomit 


BRUCINE. 


285 


stools and stomach contents should be thoroughly ex¬ 
amined for seeds, berries, or the remains of leaves or 
root. 

The stomach and its contents should be thoroughly 
comminuted, then acidified with warm alcohol and 
acetic acid. The mixture should then be filtered and 
the filtrate treated with sulphuretted hydrogen and lead 
subacetate, thus precipitating lead sulphide. The clear 
filtrate should then be evaporated to dryness, acidified, 
saturated with solution of potash in excess, and after 
the addition of alcohol suitable identification tests may 
be applied to the extract. 

BRUCINE. 

Nitric acid dissolves it and colors it blood-red. By 
then adding solution of protochloride of tin, color 
changes to deep violet. 

CANTHARIDES. 

If the cantharides be undissolved, there are shining 
green pieces of the drug. 

Water gives a white precipitate when added to the 
alcoholic solution, the precipitate being afterwards 
soluble in an excess of water. 

By exhausting the suspected material with ether, 
cantharidin may be separated out of it. The ethereal 
solution may then be evaporated until nearly dry, and 
spread on oiled silk. If upon applying it to the skin, it 
blisters, cantharidin is present. 

CARBONIC ACID GAS. 

When the gas is present in the proportion of 12 to 
15 per cent, it extinguishes a candle. 

Agitating solution of lime or solution of subacetate 
of lead in this gas produces a white precipitate in the 
solution. 

Agitating a litmus-blued solution of chloride of lime 
in the gas drives off the color, which is evidence that it 
is not nitrogen. 


286 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


COPPER SALTS. 

Whether in solution or not, all cupric salts are blue 
and green. The reaction of the solution is usually 
acid. 

To a suspected solution add solution of ammonia, a 
bluish-white precipitate is produced, soluble in excess 
of the ammonia, producing a violet-blue solution when 
copper is present. 

Potassium ferrocyanate gives a chocolate-brown pre¬ 
cipitate or reddish-brown color, if copper is present, 
although only in small quantities. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gives a deep brownish-black 
precipitate when added to a solution of a copper salt. 

If polished steel is suspended in a copper solution, 
it speedily becomes coated with copper. 

Pour the suspected solution on a platinum plate, 
acidulate with nitric acid, then touch the platinum 
passing through the solution, with a slip of zinc, and 
if copper is present, it will deposit upon the platinum. 

In examining such organs as the kidneys, liver, etc., 
for the presence of copper, the organ or. organs under 
examination should be incinerated, the resulting ash 
treated with dilute hydrochloric or sulphuric acid and 
the various tests for copper applied. In examining 
vomited matter or stomach contents, they should be 
diluted, if necessary, stirred and allowed to stand in a 
conical vessel for several hours. To the clear fluid 
which separates the various tests for copper may be 
applied as above given. 

CREOSOTE. 

Creosote has a peculiar smoky odor, and instantly 
coagulates albumen. 

With Ferric Chloride creosote gives a violet colored 
solution, rapidly changing to green, then brown and 
forming a brown precipitate. Phenol gives a purple 
colored solution. 

Creosote is not soluble in glycerine; phenol is, 
Creosote does not coagulate collodion; phenol does. 


FORMALDEHYDE. 237 

FORMALDEHYDE. 

Dissolve a decigram of morphine in i c.c. of sul¬ 
phuric acid; gently add, without mixing, an equal vol¬ 
ume of the suspected liquid; if there be any formalde¬ 
hyde present the liquid will soon assume a red violet 
color. 


ILLUMINATING GAS. 

Blood charged with illuminating gas does not coagu¬ 
late. When shaken a distinct froth forms. 

The blood is of a bright cherry color, which is per¬ 
sistent. 

If to the blood which has taken up illuminating gas 
a 5 per cent, solution of caustic soda be added, the 
bright red color of the blood will be maintained or in¬ 
tensified ; whereas in normal blood the color will 
change from red to green and later a dark brown. 

Hemoglobin in combination with carbon monoxide 
is not changed by adding reducing agents. The oxy¬ 
hemoglobin of ordinary blood is changed. Both kinds 
of blood show two absorption bands when examined 
through the spectroscope, but they vary slightly in 
position. Upon adding a reducing agent to ordinary 
blood, the two bands disappear and a broad band of 
reduced hemoglobin appears in their place. This does 
not occur with the blood which is saturated with the 
gas if more than 27 per cent, of the hemoglobin be 
saturated with carbon monoxide. 

Rubner’s test for carbon monoxide in blood, is: 
Shake the blood with 4 or 5 volumes of lead acetate 
in solution; if the blood contains carbon monoxide, it 
will retain its bright color; if not, it becomes a choco¬ 
late-brown. 


IODINE. 

Free iodine turns gelatinized starch blue. 

Acetate of lead gives a yellow precipitate of lead 
iodide. By sublimation a violet or purple vapor is 
produced. 


288 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


To a solution of an iodide add nitrate of silver so¬ 
lution, a pale yellow precipitate results, insoluble in 
nitric acid or ammonia water. 

Potassic iodide gives a scarlet precipitate with a 
solution of bichloride of mercury. 

Iodides mixed with starchy solutions and treated 
with chlorine gas or nitrous acid give a blue color. 

When iodine is combined as in the form of an iodide 
or iodoform, it must be set free in order to test it. 
The urine or stomach contents suspected to contain 
such should first be digested with distilled water, then 
filtered. If upon adding first some chlorine water and 
then a few drops of starch paste to a little of this fil¬ 
trate, a blue color is obtained, the presence of iodine 
in the above combined form, in the original solution, is 
indicated. Free iodine would be indicated by a blue 
color obtained in the same way, but omitting the chlor¬ 
ine water. 


LEAD. 

Solution of potassic sulphate will give a white pre¬ 
cipitate. Sulphuretted hydrogen gives a black precipi¬ 
tate. Potassic chromate produces a yellow precipi¬ 
tate. Dissolve in acetic acid, add potassic iodide, 
which gives a yellow plumbic iodide precipitate. 

MERCURY SALTS. 

Salts of mercury are either mercuric or mercurous. 

The most important salt of mercury, from a toxico¬ 
logical standpoint, is corrosive sublimate (mercuric 
chloride). This and other mercuric salts are identi¬ 
fied by the following tests : 

With potassium iodide solution, a scarlet precipitate 
is formed, which dissolves upon adding excess of the 
potassium iodide solution. 

With solutions of soda or potash, a yellow pre¬ 
cipitate is formed. 

Heated with sodium carbonate in a tube, globules of 
metallic mercury are formed. 


NITROBENZOL. 


289 


Upon a bright gold surface drop some of a solu¬ 
tion of the suspected poison, when, if corrosive sub¬ 
limate be present, it will form an amalgam when the 
gold surface is touched by the point of a knife through 
the fluid. 

Mercurous salts, such as mercurous nitrate, calo¬ 
mel, etc., are identified by giving a black precipitate 
with alkaline hydroxides, a greenish-yellow precipitate 
with potassium iodide. 

If a solution of stannous chloride be added to a 
suspected mercury salt solution, a white and gray pre¬ 
cipitate consisting of metallic mercury and calomel is 
produced. 

In the examination of suspected urine it should be 
evaporated to dryness by gentle heat on a water bath. 
The residue should then be dissolved in distilled water 
with a few drops of hydrochloric acid boiled and fil¬ 
tered, when the various tests for mercury salts may be 
employed. 

NITROBENZOL. 

When nitrobenzol is mixed with organic matter, it 
may be separated by distillation, after having added 
sulphuric acid. 

NUX VOMICA AND STRYCHNINE. 

Adding nitric acid to an aqueous infusion of nux 
vbmica gives a bright red color. 

Adding ferric chloride to aqueous infusion of nux 
vomica gives a green color. 

No change occurs upon dissolving strychnine in sul¬ 
phuric acid; however, if we add an oxidizing agent, 
such as potassium bichromate, manganese dioxide, 
lead peroxide, etc., a play of colors from deep blue to 
purple, violet, rapidly changing to red or crimson, and 
orange-yellow, results. Quebrachine is the only alka¬ 
loid substance which produces the same colors in the 
same order, but it differs from those of strychnine in 
the intensity and duration of the color play; and que- 


290 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


brachine dissipates on heating on a water-bath, strych¬ 
nine does not. 

After being absorbed, strychnine is deposited in the 
various organs like mineral poisons. It is usually 
found in the liver and kidneys, but has been discovered 
in the blood, spleen, brain, heart, etc. To detect it, 
it is necessary to finely subdivide the suspected tissues 
and digest them in alcohol acidulated with sulphuric 
acid. The mixture is then cooled, filtered and con¬ 
centrated, the residue washed with acidulated alcohol, 
and evaporated. Chloroform is then employed the 
same way, and after evaporation the residue is purified 
and suitable identification tests applied. 

OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 

Ferric chloride gives a deep red color with an aque¬ 
ous solution of opium. 

Also apply tests for morphine. 

In making a toxicological examination for the detec¬ 
tion of opium in the stomach, vomit or tissues, the 
stomach contents should first be examined for particles 
of undissolved opium, and an effort made to discover 
the odor of opium or one of its preparations. 

In examining vomited matter, or the stomach con¬ 
tents, such should be finely divided, if in a solid state, 
distilled water added until a thin paste is secured, the 
mixture acidulated with tartaric or acetic acid, and • 
then digested over a water-bath for about an hour. It 
should then be filtered and the filtrate evaporated. 
Two or three volumes of 95 per cent, alcohol should 
then be added to precipitate the organic matter and the 
mixture should be well stirred. The insoluble material 
should then be separated by filtration, and the filtrate 
evaporated, thus removing the alcohol. The residue 
should then be dissolved in water acidulated with tar¬ 
taric or acetic acid, to still further separate extraneous 
organic matter, after which it should again be filtered. 
A slight excess of lead acetate should now be added to 
the filtrate until there is no further precipitation. The 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


291 


precipitate produced is insoluble lead meconate and 
contains the meconic acid, if such were present in the 
materials under examination. After allowing the pre¬ 
cipitate to stand, it should be placed on a filter and 
washed with distilled water. The substance on the 
filter should now be analyzed for meconic acid; the 
filtrate should be analyzed for morphine, it being pres¬ 
ent in that solution as an acetate. 

Process A. Separation of the meconic acid: 

Slightly wash the material on the filter with dis¬ 
tilled water, to dissolve out any soluble portions. Then 
wash the precipitate from the filter into a beaker; after 
which pass sulphuretted hydrogen through the con¬ 
tents of the beaker, thus precipitating the black insolu¬ 
ble lead sulphide, leaving the meconic acid in solution. 
Then filter the mixture to remove the lead sulphide. 
The filtrate contains the meconic acid and should be 
concentrated by evaporation, after which it may be 
tested by adding a little ferric chloride to a portion of 
it to determine the presence of meconic acid. With 
ferric chloride, a red color would be produced, which 
would not be destroyed by strong mineral acids. If 
another portion of the filtrate be taken and concen¬ 
trated by evaporation, the meconic acid may crystallize 
out if present in sufficient quantity. 

Process B. Separation of the morphine: 

The filtered liquid which contains the morphine ace¬ 
tate together with the lead acetate in excess, should be 
taken and treated with sulphuretted hydrogen, by pass¬ 
ing the latter through it to saturation, thus removing 
the excess of lead acetate, the lead being converted 
into the insoluble sulphide. In order that the sulphide 
may settle, the mixture should be allowed to stand in a 
warm place for a number of hours. The sulphide may 
then be separated by filtration. It may then be evap¬ 
orated by a gentle heat, placed in a test tube, a slight 
excess of ammonia added, then a double volume of 
amyl alcohol, the mixture thoroughly shaken and 
allowed to stand. In a short time the amyl alcohol 
will rise to the top of the tube and may be removed by 


292 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


using a pipette. Then another portion of amyl alco¬ 
hol is used to repeat the operation, the two portions 
mixed, and a gentle heat employed to evaporate this 
mixture. A microscope should then be used to exam¬ 
ine the residue for morphine. 

Before applying the characteristic tests for mor¬ 
phine, all impurities and foreign matter should be 
separated from the residue; this is done by dissolving 
the residue in a little dilute acetic acid and then filter¬ 
ing the mixture. The morphine may then be left un¬ 
affected and all impurities taken up, by making the 
remaining fluid alkaline with potassium carbonate, and 
shaking the mixture with hot amyl alcohol added in 
double volume. The various tests for morphine may 
then be applied. 

Regarding the detection of morphine in the organs 
and tissues, the organ to be examined should be finely 
subdivided and subjected to the same course of pro¬ 
cedure as detailed above for the examination of vom¬ 
ited matter or stomach contents. 

To powder supposed to be morphine, or to strong 
cold solution supposed to contain morphine, add 
strong nitric acid in excess and an orange-red color 
will be produced, which slowly fades to yellow and is 
not changed to purple upon adding stannous chloride, 
as occurs with brucine. 

Solution of ferric chloride neutralized by potash 
gives an inky-blue color when applied to a cold and 
not very acid solution. (As phenol, gallic acid, tannic 
and salicylic acids give a similar color, care should be 
t aken to insure their absence.) 

Iodic acid mixed with starch produces a purplish or 
deep purple color when added to a cold and not very 
acid solution. 

(Husemann’s Delicate Morphine Test) : 

Heat the suspected liquid to 150° F. for a few 
minutes with concentrated sulphuric acid ; let it cool 
and add a trace of potassium chlorate or chlorine 
water; a blue to violet-red color, changing to blood- 
red and finally disappearing, is produced. 


PHOSPHORUS. 


293 


PHOSPHORUS. 

Mitscherlich’s process is usually employed for de¬ 
tecting phosphorus. 

The organic matters supposed to contain phos¬ 
phorus are made fluid by diluting them with distil¬ 
led water, and then acidified with sulphuric acid. 
They are then placed in a flask and put upon a 
sand-bath and the flask connected with a Liebig’s 
condenser and placed in absolute darkness. When 
the flask is heated, the phosporus present is 
volatilized, and upon its condensing in the tube a 
luminous ring is formed, which is evidence of the 
presence of phosphorus. If alcohol, ether or oil of 
turpentine are present the luminosity of the phos¬ 
phorus will be destroyed. Hence this process would 
in such case be useless. 


SILVER NITRATE. 

An aqueous solution of silver nitrate gives with 
hydrochloric acid awhite precipitate of silverchloride, 
soluble in ammonia. 

All the chlorides precipitate a solution of silver 
nitrate in the form of a white powder, which blackens 
by light. 

Potassium chromate gives a dull recj precipitate, 
soluble in acids. 


TIN. 

Tin compounds give a white precipitate, becoming 
gray and black, with mercuric chloride. They 
give a dark-brown precipitate with H 2 S, soluble in 
alkaline sulphides, in potassium hydroxide, and also 
in hot water. They also give a white precipitate, 
with ammonium hydroxide, which turns olive-brown 
when the fluid is boiled. 


294 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TYROTOXICON. 

Ty rotoxicon forms crystals with potassium hydrate. 

When treated with a mixture of carbolic and sul¬ 
phuric acids, a green color is produced. 

In whey, tyrotoxicon varies in color from yellow 
to orange-red. 


ZINC. 


Zinc Sulphate : 

Potassic chromate precipitates yellow zinc chro¬ 
mate. 

Ammonium sulphide in the presence of ammonium 
hydroxide gives a white precipitate. 

Potassium ferrocyanide gives a gelatinous white 
precipitate. 


CRYSTALS. 

(Under the Microscope.) 




Oxalic Acid (Ah’ sol.). Carbolic Acid, from dilute and cone, solutions. 

(From analysis of organs, etc., in a case of 
fjttal poisoning by Carbolic Acid.) 








295 


This and the following chart, by Thompson of England, 
are worthy of the analyst’s consideration s 

“A CONDENSED CHART FOR THE DETECTION 
OF METALS IN SOLUTION.” 





















296 

“ CHART FOR THE DETECTION OF ACIDULOUS RADICALS 
OF SALTS IN SOLUTION,” (THOMPSON.) 

DISSOLVE THE SALT IN WATER, AND RENDER IT NEUTRAL, IF NECESSARY. 


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1 

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Tartrates “ 

Bromides, Yellowish 
White. 

Iodides, Yellow. 
Phosphates “ 

Chromates, Red. 
Arseniates, Chocolates. 
Arsenites, Yellow. 

Group III. 
CaCl 2 

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Oxalates, White. 
T artrates 

Citrates 
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Sulphides. 

Carbonates. 

Cyanides. 

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OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE. 


297 


PART VI. 


OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE IN SEARCH- 
ING FOR POISONS. 

Those portions of the body which are to be sub¬ 
jected to chemical or microscopical examinations, 
should be carefully placed at the time of the autopsy, 
by the person performing it, in new, or thoroughly 
clean glass jars, having air-tight glass covers. Where 
prompt analysis is to be made, neither alcohol nor any 
other preservative fluid should be added. When such 
is added, it should be distilled alcohol and known to 
be pure; and a carefully sealed and labeled portion of 
it should be preserved for the chemist to test for im¬ 
purities. The jars should be sealed, numbered and 
labeled, and the sealer should affix his initials. The 
portions of the body to be preserved for the chemist’s 
examinations, are, as a rule, the stomach and contents, 
a portion of or the whole intestinal canal, the liver, 
both kidneys, the spleen, the brain, the urine found 
in the bladder, and upon occasion, the heart, lungs, a 
portion of or the entire spinal cord, and a portion of 
muscle taken from the leg. When it is desirable, but 
impossible to obtain the whole of an organ, the pro¬ 
portion which the part obtained bears to the whole 
organ should be ascertained. Careful inspection 
should be made of all organs, sometimes also by a 
pathologist and a bacteriologist, to exclude other 
cause of death than by poisoning. 

In removing the stomach and its contents from a 
body for examination, a double ligature should be 
passed around the esophagus just above the cardiac 
orifice, and another about the duodenum three or four 
inches below the pylorus, and the organ removed with 
its contents thus intact. It is frequently advisable to 
place each organ intended for analysis in a separate 
glass jar or other container. 

It is rarely necessary to analyze the whole body. As 
a rule the following are the organs to be examined, 



298 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


and in this order: the stomach and contents, the liver, 
spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs and brain; it may, how¬ 
ever, be necessary to also examine the spinal cord, 
uterus, portions of intestines, the blood, etc. 

When the material to be analyzed consists of either 

j 

solids, or solids and liquids to be analyzed together, 
the solids should be reduced to a finely divided mass, 
and any liquid portion so mixed with it as to make 
the whole a uniform mixture. If there be an insuf¬ 
ficient quantity of liquid present, it may be necessary 
to add some distilled water in order to secure a uni¬ 
form mixture. The mixture should now be weighed 
and about one-twelfth or one-fifteenth (not over one- 
tenth)weighed out and employed for preliminary tests. 
Is proper in systematic analysis to search first for vol¬ 
atile poisons, then alkaloids, then inorganic poisons. 

In testing vomited matters, a clear liquid, service¬ 
able for preliminary tests, may usually be obtained by 
placing them in a cone-shaped glass vessel, and setting 
them aside for 12 to 24 hrs. In absence of much fluid a 
small quantity of distilled water may be added and w r ell 
mixed with these matters before setting them aside. 

In making chemical analyses, dialysis is often re¬ 
sorted to, to separate the poison (especially any crys- 
tallizable salt) from the complex matters associated 
wdt'h it; either alcohol orwater, accordingto their abil¬ 
ity to dissolve the poison, is used as the outer liquid. 

During life all the body tissues are alkaline except 
those of the stomach and the urinary apparatus. For 
a short period after death all the tissues become more 
or less acid, but soon change to alkaline, owing to the 
production of ammonia through the process by which 
the proteids are changed into waste matter and cast 
out. The tissues which contain sulphur ultimately 
change into hydric sulphide, precipitating the sul¬ 
phides of mercury, lead, arsenic, etc. The hemoglobin 
of the blood becomes converted into sulphuret-hemo- 
globin, and ultimately into ferrous sulphate. These 
two compounds give the body a greenish color in the 
earlier periods of decomposition. 


CVTLINES of procedure. 


299 


The analyst, upon receiving the samples or materi¬ 
als for analysis, should note accurately the manner 
in which they have been packed, that the container 
was well closed and tightly sealed, and that the seals 
have not been disturbed; also, whether the container 
or wrappings were likely to contaminate the samples, 
the character and wording of the labels, if there be 
such, and the date and agent of receipt. 

Careful observation should then be made of the 
appearance, smell, color, weight of each solid, the 
volume of liquid, and the reaction of the samples. 

Opium, hydrocyanic acid, or alcohol may be sug¬ 
gested by the smell. The salts of copper, portions of 
insects, or certain arsenical preparations, or other col¬ 
oring matter may be suggested by the color. Spots 
which are characteristic of the sulphides of mercury, 
lead, arsenic, etc., may occasionally be found long 
after interment, on or in various organs of the body. 

In making his chemical analysis the investigator 
must insure the purity of the atmosphere of the room 
in which the investigation is made, the security of 
the samples in such room, it being accessible only to 
the analyst, and the perfect freedom of his apparatus 
from contamination. He must also determine the 
absolute purity and reliability of his test solutions, 
by testing them. He should make notes of his work. 

A careful hand magnifying-glass and microscopical 
examination of the suspected organs and their con¬ 
tents is often advisable; the identification and sub¬ 
sequent exhibition of characteristic substances and 
forms is thus provided for. Before a suspected organ 
is destroyed in process of investigation, it is often 
well to photograph it. 

The nature of the food last eaten and its bearing on 
the case is frequently a matter of the utmost impor¬ 
tance. Washings of samples and containers should 
be included in the investigation. 

It is as a rule advisable to examine only one portion 
of the vomited matter, stomaclicontents. or intestinal 


300 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


contents, at one time. The other portions should be 
reserved for subsequent experiments. Inasmuch as 
the poison may be present in only a very small quan¬ 
tity, the portion of fluid under examination should 
be concentrated, by evaporation at a gentle heat, to 
secure the best responses to the various tests. Sepa¬ 
ration of materials under examination may require re¬ 
sort to dialysis—as in the separation of colloid sub¬ 
stances from crystalloids—or to distillation—as in such 
volatile substances as alcohol, chloroform, prussic acid, 
phosphorus, chloral, etc.—as well as to such processes 
as filtration, etc. In the search for an inorganic poison 
(as antimony, arsenic, etc.) in the presence of or¬ 
ganic matter, Fresenius’ process is commonly resorted 
to for the destruction of the organic matter. By 
this process, the material to be tested, is, after being 
finely divided, boiled with about one-eighth of its bulk 
of pure hydrochloric acid, occasionally adding crystals 
of potassium chlorate, allowing sufficient time each 
time for the chlorate to decompose, until the materials 
under investigation are oxidized to a straw-colored 
fluid; then hydrogen sodium sulphite is added until 
the mixture gives off an unmistakable odor of sul¬ 
phurous acid. Most of the metallic poisons are then 
precipitated in the form of a sulphide by passing sul¬ 
phuretted hydrogen through the mixture for several 
hours. By collecting such precipitate, the various 
tests for identification may be applied. 

Poisonous alkaloids are advantageously separated 
from complex mixtures, by means of either Stas’ 
Roger and Girdwoods, or Uslar and Erdmann’s 
method. Stas uses ether as a solvent. Uslar and 
Erdmann resort to alcohol. 

In Stas’ process for separating alkaloids, the fol¬ 
lowing course is pursued: The stomach or intestinal 
contents, or the solid organs to be tested are digested 
with acidulated alcohol or water, until such are in a 
state of solution. Then the whole is filtered and ether 
added to the filtrate. The ether removes the oily mat- 



OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE. 


301 


ters, and is itself then removed and the watery solution 
neutralized by adding potash or soda. The alkaloid is 
ultimately separated by ether, when it may be expected 
to remain behind in suitable condition for the employ¬ 
ment of further tests. Some analyzers prefer to 
modify Stas’ process. One of these modifications con¬ 
sists in acidulating the suspected material with hydro¬ 
chloric acid, then heating it for an hour or more over 
a water-bath, and filtering the mixture. This proc¬ 
ess is continued until a pure product is obtained. 
This product is neutralized by adding hydrogen so¬ 
dium carbonate, and the freed alkaloid is taken up by 
shaking the mixture with chloroform or ether. If the 
mixture then be put in a tall, tightly corked test tube 
and allowed to stand, the chloroform or ether may 
be separated by means of a pipette, and upon evap¬ 
oration the alkaloid will be found readv for additional 

* 

purification or testing. 

The toxicologist resorts to a variety of methods in 
his efforts to detect traces of poison in suspected sub¬ 
stances. 

Herold very tersely says: “Combinations are formed 
with other elements, revealing the poison in the form 
of solids, liquids or gases. Others are arrayed in 
varied colors, in crystalline shapes, or volatilized in 
flame and viewed by the achromatic or apochromatic 
lenses of the microscope, or their incandescent vapors 
through the prisms of the spectroscope. For example, 
the existence of metals is indicated by brilliantly tinted 
and sharply defined lines, as they are presented in front 
of the narrow slit of the spectroscope, even infinitesimal 
traces being accurately noted.” 

“The great advances made in electricity have con¬ 
tributed the mysterious power of this fluid in toxi¬ 
cological analyses, as is exemplified in the production 
of ozone for the purple-color reaction for strychnine, 
or in evolving hydrogen from distilled water for the 
‘Marsh test/ (Doremus.)” 


302 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


A SHORT ANALYTICAL PLAN. 

A systematic analysis for the detection of poison 
may be resolved into two principal procedures: i. An¬ 
alysis for volatile and inorganic poisons. 2. Analysis 
for non-volatile organic poisons. 

Having reduced the materials to be examined to a 
uniform mixture by means of thorough division, and, 
if necessary, also by dilution, a small and carefully 
weighed portion may be taken for the application of 
simple preliminary tests. Then the remaining portion 
may be divided into either three or four parts: one 
part for the first procedure, one for the second pro¬ 
cedure, one part for control tests, and, if deemed ad¬ 
visable, one in reserve for use in case of accident. Each 
part should be carefully marked. The part pro¬ 
vided for the first procedure, the analysis for volatile 
and inorganic poisons, is now acidified with tar¬ 
taric or acetic acid and put into a distilling flask. The 
delivery tube is connected with a glass condenser, and 
the mixture distilled over a water-bath for about half 
an nour. The products of condensation should be re¬ 
ceived in a flask in which a little water has been placed. 
If, upon observing the reaction of the distillate it is 
found to be neutral, it may contain amyl, ethyl, or me¬ 
thyl alcohol, or anilin, amyl nitrite, carbon bisulphide, 
chloroform, chloral, coniin, carbolic acid, hydrogen sul¬ 
phide, lobeline, nicotine, nitro-benzole, or phosphorus. 
If the distillate is found to be acid, hydrobromic, hydro¬ 
chloric, or hydrocyanic acid may be present, and they 
may be identified by the ordinary tests. 

The organic matter present in the residue left in the 
distilling flask should next be destroyed as follows: 
This residue should be placed in a good sized flask 
and dilute hydrochloric acid which is known to be free 
from arsenic, should now be added in sufficient quan¬ 
tity to cover the material, and the whole heated on a 
water-bath. Crystals of chlorate of potash, in small 
portions, at intervals sufficient to permit of the de¬ 
composition of the chlorate of potash are now intro¬ 
duced; this should be continued until the contents. 


OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE. 


304 


of the flask present a clear straw-colored appearance. 
The object in introducing the chlorate of potash is two¬ 
fold : first, to oxidize the organic matter; second, to 
prevent the loss of arsenic through the vaporization of 
arsenous chlorid. The fluid in the flask is then to be 
cooled, and air should be drawn through the mixture 
with an aspirator, until all free chlorine has been ex¬ 
pelled ; the contents of the flask are then ready for 
testing for inorganic bases by the ordinary methods. 

The portion reserved for the second procedure, 
i. e., analysis for non-volatile organic poisons, is now 
treated as follows: 

It is put into a distilling flask and about three vol¬ 
umes of absolute alcohol which has been acidified with 
tartaric or acetic acid is added. Connection should 
then be made with a return condenser and water-bath 
heat applied for half an hour or more. The mixture 
should then be cooled, filtered, the residue washed with 
absolute alcohol, the washings added to the filtrate and 
the alcohol distilled off. Then add an equal quantity 
of water, mix well, filter, and place the filtrate in a cy¬ 
lindrical glass-stoppered jar. This filtrate contains the 
poison sought, and may be marked F. 

Next, after having added an equal volume of ether, 
and shaken up the resulting mixture, permit it to sepa¬ 
rate and then remove the ethereal layer. After re¬ 
peating this operation two or three times, put the ex¬ 
tracts together and evaporate them to dryness on the 
water-bath. 

Acetanilid, antipyrine, caffeine, cantharidin, colchi- 
cin, digitalin, phenacetin, picric acid, picrotoxin, piper- 
rin, salicylic acid, salol or santonin, may be contained 
in this extract, and by applying suitable tests to small 
portions of it, such may readily be identified. 

The ethereal layer having been separated from the 
acid filtrate F., extract with chloroform in the same 
way as was done with the ether. The resulting ex¬ 
tract may contain digitalin, helleborin, narcein or papa- 
verin, for which suitable tests should be employed. 

If the foregoing extractions have been fruitless, all 
chloroform should be expelled from filtrate F. by 


304 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


warming the latter on the water-bath; it should then 
be placed in the glass-stoppered cylindrical glass jar, 
ammonia added to alkalinity, and extraction made by 
means of petroleum ether. Aconitin, apomorphine, 
atropine, brucin, cocaine, codeine, narcotine, pilocar¬ 
pine, quinine, strychnine or veratrine may be contained 
in this extract. Suitable tests should then be em¬ 
ployed for their identification. 

If, howew?'*, this also results in nothing being ob¬ 
tained, amyl alcohol should be used to extract the alka¬ 
line liquid. This extract may contain morphine, and 
suitable tests should be applied for the identification 
of that alkaloid. 

AUTENRIETH’S METHOD, 

In searching for poisons, the general method of 
procedure of W. Autenrieth, according to Blyth, 
divides poisonous substances, for the purposes of 
separation and detection, into three classes: 

“I. Poisons capable of distillation from an acid 
aqueous solution. 

II. Organic substances which are not capable of 
distillation from acid solutions. 

III. Metallic poisons. 

Where possible, the fluid or solids submitted to 
the research are divided into four equal parts, one 
of the parts to be kept in reserve in case of accident 
or as a control; one of the remaining three parts to 
be distilled; a second to be investigated for organic 
substances; and a third for metals. After the ex¬ 
traction of organic substances from part No. II, the 
residue may be added to No. Ill for the purpose of 
search after metals; and, if the total quantity is 
small, the whole of the process may be conducted 
without division. 

I. SUBSTANCES SEPARATED BY DISTILLATION. 

The substances are placed in a capacious flask, 
diluted if necessary with water to the consistence of 


OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE. 


305 


a thin soup, and tartaric acid added to distinct acid 
reaction, and distilled. In this way phosphorus, 
prussic acid, carbolic acid, chloroform, chloralhy- 
drate, nitrobenzol, aniline (aniline is a weak base, 
so that, although a solution be acid, some of the 
aniline distills over on heating), and alcohol may 
be separated and identified by characteristic reac¬ 
tions. 

II. ORGANIC POISONS NOT VOLATILE IN ACID 

SOLUTION. 

Part No. II is mixed with double its volume of 
absolute alcohol, tartaric acid added to distinct acid 
reaction, and placed in a flask connected with an 
inverted Leibig’s condenser; it is then warmed for 
15 to 20 minutes on the water-bath. After cooling, 
the mixture is filtered, the residue well washed with 
alcohol and evaporated to a thin syrup in a porce¬ 
lain dish over the water-bath. The dish is then 
allowed to cool and digested with 100 c.c. of water; 
fat and resinous matters separate, the watery solu¬ 
tion is filtered through Swedish paper previously 
moistened. If the fluid filtrate is clear, it may be 
at once shaken up with ether, but if not clear, and 
especially if it is more or less slimy, it is evaporated 
again on the water-bath to the consistence of an 
extract: the extract treated with 60 to 80 c.c. of ab¬ 
solute alcohol (which precipitates mucus and dex¬ 
trin-like substances), the alcohol evaporated off and 
the residue taken up with from 60 to 80 c.c. of dis¬ 
tilled water; it is then shaken up with ether, as in 
Dragendorff’s process, and such substances as digi¬ 
talin, picric acid, salicylic acid, antipyrin and others 
separated in this way and identified. 

After this treatment with ether, and the separa¬ 
tion of the ether extract, the watery solution is 
strongly alkalized with caustic soda and shaken up 


306 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


again with ether, which dissolves almost every al¬ 
kaloid save morphine and apomorphine; the ethereal 
extract is separated and any alkaloid left is identi¬ 
fied by suitable tests. 

The aqueous solution, now deprived of substances 
soluble in ether both from acid and from solutions 
made alkaline by soda, is now investigated for mor¬ 
phine and apomorphine; the apomorphine being 
separated by first acidifying a portion of the alka¬ 
line solution with hydrochloric acid, then alkalizing 
with ammonia and shaking out with ether. The 
morphine is separated from the same solution by 
shaking out with warm chloroform (but hot amyl 
alcohol would be better). 

III. METALS. 

The substances are placed in a porcelain dish and 
diluted with a sufficient quantity of water to form 
a thin soup and 20 to 30 c.c. of pure hydrochloric 
acid added; the dish is placed on the water-bath and 
2 grammes of potassic chlorate added. The con¬ 
tents are stirred from time to time, and successive 
quantities of potassic chlorate are again added, until 
the contents are colored yellow. The heating is 
continued, with, if necessary, the addition of more 
acid, until all smell of chlorine has ceased. If tnere 
is considerable excess of acid, this is to be evapo¬ 
rated away by diluting with a little water and con¬ 
tinuing to heat on the water-bath. The dish with 
its contents is cooled, a little water added, and the 
fluid is then filtered. The metals remaining on the 
filter are: silver chloride, lead sulphate, barium sul¬ 
phate. In the filtrate will be all the other metals. 

The filtrate is put in a flask and heated to from 
60 to 80 degrees and submitted to a slow stream of 
hydric sulphide gas; when the fluid is saturated 
with the gas, the flask is securely corked and al¬ 
lowed to rest for twelve hours; at the end of that, 
time the fluid is filtered and' the filter washed with 
water, saturated with hydric sulphide. * A 


OUTLINE OF PROCEDURE. 


307 


The still moist sulphides remaining on the filter 
are treated with yellow ammonium sulphide con¬ 
taining some free ammonia and washed with sul¬ 
phide of ammonium water. Now remaining on the 
filter, if present at all, will be: mercury sulphide, 
lead sulphide, copper sulphide, cadmium sulphide. 
In the filtrate may be arsenic sulphide, antimony 
sulphide, tin sulphide; and there may also be a small 
portion of copper sulphide, because the latter is 
somewhat soluble in a considerable quantity of 
ammonium sulphide. 

The filtrate from the original hydric sulphide pre¬ 
cipitate will contain, if present, the sulphides of zinc 
and chromium in solution. 

INVESTIGATION OF THE SULPHIDES SOLUBLE IN 
AMMONIUM SULPHIDE, VIZ., ARSENIC, 
ANTIMONY, TIN. 

The ammonium sulphide solution is evaporated to 
dryness in a porcelain dish, strong nitric acid added 
and again dried. To this residue a little strong 
caustic soda solution is added, and then it is inti¬ 
mately mixed with three times its weight of a mix¬ 
ture composed of 2 of potassic nitrate to 1 of dry 
sodium hydrate. This is now cast, bit by bit, into 
a red-hot porcelain crucible. The whole is heated 
until it has melted into a colorless fluid. 

Presuming the original mass contained arsenic, 
antimony, and tin, the melt contains sodic arseniate, 
sodic pyro-antimonate, sodic stannate, and tin ox¬ 
ide ; it may also contain a trace of copper oxide. 

The melt is cooled, dissolved in a little water, and 
sodium bicarbonate added so as to change any caus¬ 
tic soda remaining into carbonate, and to decompose 
the small amount of sodic stannate; the liquid is 
then filtered. 

The filtrate will contain the arsenic as sodic ar¬ 
senate, while on the filter there will be pyro-anti¬ 
monate of soda, tin oxide, and, possibly, a little 
vopper oxide. _ 


308 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


The recognition of these substances now (by) 
chemical methods) is not difficult. 

INVESTIGATION OF THE SULPHIDES INSOLUBLE IN 
SULPHIDE OF AMMONIUM, VIZ., MERCURY, 
LEAD, COPPER, CADMIUM. 

If the precipitate is contaminated with organic 
matter, it is treated with hydrochloric acid and po- 
tassic chlorate in the manner already described. 

Afterwards it is once more saturated with liydric 
sulphide, the precipitate is collected on a filter, well 
washed, and the sulphides treated with moderately 
concentrated nitric acid (i vol. nitric acid, 2 vols. 
water). The sulphides are best treated with this 
solvent on the filter; all the sulphides mentioned, 
save mercury sulphide, dissolve and pass into the 
filtrate. This mercury sulphide may be dissolved by 
nitro-muriatic acid, the solution evaporated to dry¬ 
ness, the residue dissolved in water acidified with 
hydrochloric acid and tested for mercury. 

The filtrate containing, it may be, nitrates of lead, 
copper and cadmium, is evaporated nearly to dry¬ 
ness and taken up in a very little water. The lead 
is separated as sulphate by the addition of dilute 
sulphuric acid. 

The filtered solution, freed from lead, is treated 
with ammonia to alkaline reaction; if copper be 
present, a blue color is produced, and this may be 
confirmed by other tests. To detect cadmium in 
the presence of copper, potassic cyanide is added to 
the blue liquid until complete decolorization, and 
the liquid treated with hydrogen sulphide; if cad¬ 
mium is present, it is thrown down as a yellow sul¬ 
phide, while potassic cupro-cyanide remains in solu¬ 
tion. 

SEARCH FOR ZINC AND CHROMIUM. 

The filtrate from the hydric sulphide precipitate 
is divided into two parts—the one half is used in the 
search for zinc, the other half is used for chromium. 


OUTLINE OP PROCEDURE. 


309 


Search for Zinc. —The liquid is alkalized with 
ammonia, and then ammonium sulphide is added. 
There will always be a precipitate of a dark color; 
the precipitate will contain earthy phosphates, iron, 
and in some cases, manganese. The liquid with the 
precipitate is treated with acetic acid to strong acid 
reaction and allowed to stand for several hours. The 
portion of the precipitate remaining undissolved is 
collected on a filter, washed, dried and heated to red¬ 
ness in a porcelain crucible. The residue thus 
heated is cooled and dissolved in a little dilute sul¬ 
phuric acid. To the acid solution ammonia is 
added, and any precipitate formed is treated with 
acetic acid; should the precipitate not completely 
dissolve, phosphate of iron is present; this is filtered 
off, and if hydrogen sulphide be added to the filtrate, 
white zinc sulphide will come down. 

Search for Chromium. — The second part of the 
hydrogen sulphide filtrate is evaporated to a thin 
extract, mixed with double its weight of sodic ni¬ 
trate, dried and cast, little by little, into a red-hot 
porcelain crucible. When the whole is fully melted, 
the crucible is removed from the flame, cooled, and 
the mass dissolved in water and filtered. Any chro¬ 
mium present will now be in solution in the easily 
recognized form of potassic chromate. 


INVESTIGATION OF THE RESIDUE AFTER THE TREAT¬ 
MENT OF THE ORIGINAL SUBSTANCE WITH HY¬ 
DROCHLORIC ACID AND POTASSIC CHLORATE FOR 
PRESENCE OF SILVER CHLORIDE, LEAD AND BAR¬ 
IUM SULPHATES. 

The residue is dried and intimately mixed with 
three times its weight of a mixture containing 2 
parts of sodic nitrate and i part of sodium hydrate. 
This is added, little by little, into a red-hot porcelain 
crucible. The melted mass is cooled, dissolved in 


310 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


a little water, a current of carbon dioxide passed 
through the solution to convert any caustic soda 
into carbonate, and the solution boiled. The result 
will be an insoluble portion consisting of carbonates 
of lead and baryta, and of metallic silver. The mix¬ 
ture is filtered, the insoluble residue on the filter is 
warmed for some time with dilute nitric acid; the 
solution of nitrates of silver, lead and barium are 
concentrated on the water-bath nearly to dryness so 
as to get rid of any excess of acid, and the nitrates 
dissolved in water. Then the silver is precipi¬ 
tated by hydrochloric acid, the lead by hydrogen 
sulphide, and the barium by sulphuric acid.” 


THE CORPUS DELICTI. 

The “corpus delicti” may be defined as: The injuri¬ 
ous substance; the appreciable cause of injury or 
death. It is the poison, presented in stable condition. 

It is not only desirable to so present it, but the 
law, in some countries, directs that for all cases of 
forensic chemical research, the poison must be pre¬ 
sented to the judge and jury in a permanently stable 
condition, capable of impressing the senses. This 
is forensically called the corpus delicti. 

The following serve to illustrate such: the plati¬ 
num double-salts of ammonia and alkaloids. Prus¬ 
sian blue from hydrocyanic acid, mercury in the 
form of red mercuric iodide, oxalic acid in the form 
of calcium oxalate, spots and mirrors of arsenic and 
antimony, phosphorus in its natural state, the seeds 
of various plants such as stramonium, hemlock, and 
hyoscyamus, the hulls of berries such as belladonna, 
leaves fragments such as those from digitalis, hyos¬ 
cyamus, lobelia, root fragments from aconite, the 
shining, green particles from cantharides, etc. 

Questions commonly asked the analyst are: Is 
the poison combined or free? How was it obtained? 
Could it exist naturally? How much was found, its 
strength, and the quantity fatal ? If there is no 
poison, is anything detrimental to health present ? 



THE SIGNS OF DEATH. 


311 


PART VII. 


THE SIGNS OF DEATH. 


1. Absence of respiratory murmur. 

2. Absence of cardiac pulsation. 

3. Insensibility and inability to move. 

4. Changes in the eyes. 

5. Body pallor. 

6. Loss of animal heat. 

7. Venous coagulation. 

8. Rigor mortis. 

9. Cadaveric lividity. 

10. Putrefaction. 

11. Saponification. 

12. Mummification. 

TESTS. 

1. A feather lightly suspended near the mouth 
or nose remaining unmoved indicates death has oc¬ 
curred. 

2. Hold a bright mirror over the mouth and nose 
of the subject and any respiratory moisture 
promptly appears upon the glass. 

3. The eyes are insensible to light after death, 
neither dilating nor contracting; but some poisons 
and some brain affections have similar effects. 
(Test may be made with candle or lamp). 

4. Insensibility of the cornea to touch indicates 
death, although certain injuries of the brain, etc., 
produce the same condition. 

5. The conjunctivae exhibit gray, cloudy discol¬ 
orations, rapidly changing to black, upon their sur¬ 
faces, due to formation of films of mucus or to ca¬ 
daveric imbition from decomposition changes. 

6. After death, any external pressure on the eye- 




312 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

ball permanently alters the circular shape of the 
pupil. 

7. Examine cardiac and pulmonary regions care¬ 
fully, the former with a stethoscope. 

8. Apply a ligature to a finger or limb and note 
if part beyond the constriction becomes a deep-red 
or purple color—evidence of life. 

9. As a rule, scarifying the surface of the body 
and then applying a cupping glass causes no blood 
to flow if death has occurred. 

10. Open a vein and see if coagulation of the 
blood has ensued. 

If no blister forms when red-hot iron is applied 
to skin, death is indicated. 

11. Inject ammonia solution subcutaneously; if 
living, a port-wine congestion will appear in the 
surrounding parts; if dead, it does not appear. 

12. Thrust a clean, bright needle into the biceps 
muscle and leave it there for a time; it will rapidly 
rust and tarnish (oxidize) if life is not extinct; if it 
is, no such change results. 

Rigor mortis or cadaveric rigidity—the stiffening 
of the muscles of the body throughout its entire ex¬ 
tent, and probably due to the coagulation of the 
myosin in the muscles—usually takes place inside 
of six hours after death. Its duration is from 16 to 
24 hours—until putrefaction sets in. Heat shortens 
and cold prolongs rigor mortis. In sudden acci¬ 
dental death while in health, appearance of rigor 
mortis is delayed, whereas in death from exhausting 
disease, as phthisis, it promptly appears. Rigor 
mortis begins in muscles of the eye, then affects 
muscles of lower jaw and neck, then chest and upper 
extremities, and lastly muscles of abdomen and 
lower extremities. 

If body is only slightly cold and jaws show signs 
of rigidity, with glazed eyes and shrunken eye-balls, 
death has probably occurred within to 4 hours. 

If the whole body is perfectly cold and rigid, 
death has occurred within 12 hours to 4 days. If 
cadaveric lividity be present, death has probably oc¬ 
curred in from 1 to 4 days- 


THE MODES OF DEATH. 


313 


PART VIII. 

SUDDEN DEATH. 


CAUSES OF DEATH. 

Sudden death may result from: 

1. The action of such poisons as aconite, alcohol, 
carbolic acid, hydrocyanic acid, oxalic acid, anes¬ 
thetics, cocaine, mercuric cyanide, potassic cyanide, 
silver cyanide, irrespirable gases, nitrobenzene, 
nitroglycerine, nicotine, phosphorus, snake venom, 
strychnine, etc. 

2. Violence: such as a blow upon head, or large 
bood-vessel, over heart or plexus of nerves, etc. 

3. Hemorrhage: cerebral, gastric, aortic, etc. 
Hemorrhage into pancreas; into peritoneal cavity 
from ectopic gestation, or ruptured uterus, etc. 

4. Rupture of internal organs: as heart, spleen, 
distended bladder, pregnant uterus, or other organ 
in the abdominal cavity. Rupture of ulcer in some 
part of alimentary canal. Rupture of vessel, var¬ 
icose vein or aneurysm, etc. 

5. Such cardiac affections as angina pectoris, 
aortic regurgitation and other valvular diseases 
when associated with deficient compensation, car¬ 
diac degeneration; the exhaustive effects upon the 
heart of diphtheria and other poisonous diseases, etc. 

6. Thrombosis, embolism, bronzed-skin disease, 
diabetes, uraemia, epilepsy, intense emotion, etc. 

7. Such affections of the respiratory system as: 
asthma, whooping cough, pneumothorax, hemotho¬ 
rax, pleuritic effusion, acute pneumonia, tumors, 
foreign bodies in pharynx, larynx, or trachea, mem¬ 
branous deposits, spasm or oedema of glottis or 
larynx, etc. 

MODES OF DEATH. 

(Partly adapted from Bichat and Herold). 

The actual or immediate cause of sudden death is 
obviously dependent upon one or other of the three 




314 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


great centres of life, the heart, the lungs, or the 
brain. When one of these centres ceases to work, 
the actions of the others are promptly embarrassed, 
as the maintenance of life is dependent upon the in¬ 
tegrity and activity of each. (Together, these three 
centers constitute life’s “tripod.”) 

The modes of death have been classified into:— 

1— Death beginning at brain, coma. (See p. 328.) 

2— Death beginning at heart, syncope. (See p. 328.) 

3— Death beginning at lungs, asphyxia or apnoea. 

The immediate c?use of death should be sought 

in the brain, heart or lungs, no matter what the 
remote cause of the death may be. 

COMA. 

Coma may be defined as a state of profound in¬ 
sensibility. It is a condition usually dependent 
upon changed brain conditions. 

Causes : May be due to increased amount of 
blood in blood vessels of brain, to blood or other 
fluid or solid outside those vessels, or to brain in¬ 
jury. Hence: Compression of the brain; apoplexy; 
fractures of the bones of the head or other injury to 
the skull; hydrocephalus; concussion of the brain; 
the action of narcotics, arsenic, coal gas, or other 
poisons; various discharges and hemorrhages; cer¬ 
tain diseases of the kidneys, such as uraemic poison¬ 
ing ; or of the liver, such as acute yellow atrophy; etc. 

Symptoms: Stupor; patient insensible to exter¬ 
nal impressions; unconsciousness; slow, irregular, 
stertorous breathing; loss of voluntary control over 
respiration—as the medulla begins to be affected 
there is increasingly feeble respiration; pulmonary 
circulation and aeration of blood ceases; the pulsa¬ 
tions of the heart, and lung movements are arrested; 
the pupils are sluggish and dilation frequently occurs. 

Post-Mortem Appearances: More or less blood 
in the cavities of the heart, but not such an engorge¬ 
ment as when death has resulted from asphyxia. 

Usually the brain is congested and there is more 
or less oedema. 


THE MODES OF DEATH. 


315 


SYNCOPE. 

Syncope may be considered to be suspended ani¬ 
mation, due to failure in heart action. 

Causes : Heart action may have been arrested 
by either (i) Anaemia or (2) Asthenia. 

1 — Anaemia, or less blood than normal: due to 
sudden loss of blood from ruptured aneurism, uter¬ 
ine or pulmonary hemorrhage, and from cardiac or 
vascular injury; also suppurations which act indi¬ 
rectly as severe drains upon the blood. 

2 — Asthenia, or insufficient heart power: due to 
paralysis of its muscular walls. This may be the 
result of fatty degeneration or other cardiac dis¬ 
eases, of starvation, of cancer, cholera, typhoid 
fever, phthisis, diabetes, dysentery, or other ex¬ 
hausting disease; certain poisons, such as digitalis, 
prussic acid, veratrum viride, etc.; certain injuries, 
such as blows over the stomach, concussions of the 
spine, etc.; also severe cerebral lesions; shock. 

Symptoms: 1—Anaemia: face pale or dusky; 
lips livid; skin covered with a cold perspiration; 
sight dimmed; tinnitus aurium; vertigo; pulse ir¬ 
regular and weak; pupils dilated; gradual insensi¬ 
bility. May be nausea, vomiting, irregular respira¬ 
tion, jactitation, photophobia, convulsions; may be 
hiccough. The nervous symptoms result from the 
insufficient supply of blood to the brain. 

2— Asthenia : arrest of circulation in the extrem¬ 
ities, producing lividity of the fingers, lips, nose and 
ears; surface of body and extremities cold; weak, 
frequent pulse; although great muscular weakness, 
the senses and intellect are unimpaired. 

Post-Mortem Appearances : 1—Anaemia : heart 
empty and contracted; if death was delayed, may be 
a heart clot; organs and tissues usually pale. 

2— Asthenia : heart may contain some blood, but 
its cavity is more or less dilated or flabby from stop¬ 
page of blood in the circulation; the blood is in the 
large arteries and veins; neither the brain nor lungs 
are engorged. 


316 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ASPHYXIA (Apncea). 

Asphyxia is a condition of more or less complete 
suspension of respiration. Asphyxia from inhalation 
of poisonous gases may be due to damaging of red 
blood-corpuscles, so their oxygen carrying power is 
almost destroyed by the conversion of their hsemo- 
globin into methaemoglobin, (an internal asphyxia). 

Causes : Arrest of respiration resulting from : 
i—Mechanical obstruction to the entrance of air 
into the lungs, as the pressing of foreign bodies in 
the air passages; a tetanic spasm of the lespiratory 
muscles, produced by strychnine poisoning, tetanus, 
etc.; pressure of the thorax; muscular exhaustion 
from cold or debility; paralysis of the pneumogas- 
tric or phrenic nerves; submersion; suffocation; 
hanging; strangulation; absence of air, as in very 
high altitudes; the effects of sulphuretted hydrogen 
gas, chlorine gas and other irritant gases. 2—Dis¬ 
eases, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and other lung 
diseases; spasm or oedema of the glottis; embolism of 
the pulmonary artery; pharyngeal abscess, and serum 
blood or pus accumulated in the pleural cavities. 

Symptoms : Sense of suffocation, with vigorous 
effort to breathe; face livid ; unconsciousness; vertigo; 
sphincter muscles relaxed; general convulsions. 

Post-Mortem Appearances : The skin and 
mucous membranes are livid. The lungs may be 
engorged with dark blood; the bronchi being red¬ 
dened by both venous engorgement and ecchymoses; 
they may contain either froth or blood; the pulmo¬ 
nary artery, right cavities of the heart and the veme 
cavas are engorged, and usually the viscera; the 
left side of the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary 
veins are comparatively empty; sometimes, however 
the cavities of the right side of the heart are empty 
Usually the blood is fluid and dark and may con¬ 
tain a few clots. The veins of the brain are engorged 
Punctate ecchymoses (small dark hemorrhagic 
points) may be found here and there over surface ot 
brain, lungs or other organs, especially if asphyxia 
were rapid and were violent attempts at respiration 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY. 317 

PART IX. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY, 

ETC. 

The study of the physiological or ultra-physiological reasons, 
etc., for the various symptoms which are produced by sub¬ 
stances in toxic doses, i.e., the basic modus operandi, etc., of 
the drug, is a most important part of toxicology. 

It should be noted that the character and degree of influ¬ 
ences exerted by various toxic substances, in relatively pro¬ 
portionate doses, upon man, and upon various animals with 
similar organs and functions, often differ more or less widely. 

Nevertheless, in very many instances, such a degree of paral¬ 
lelism and close relationship exists between the human and 
animal phenomena produced by various poisonous substances 
as to command our interest, careful observation and investiga¬ 
tion. Furthermore, experience demonstrates that the measures 
which are successful in neutralizing and combating poisons 
and their effects in the animal are, as a rule, absolutely identi¬ 
cal with those which relieve man. 

Hence a careful study of the effects of various poisons upon 
certain animals, and the measures which are most successful 
in their treatment, may well furnish information of the highest 
value in saving human life. All investigations should, however, 
unquestionably be carried out with no lack of humane con¬ 
siderations. 

The animals most suitable for the study and demonstration 
of the poisonous effects and the proper treatment to be em¬ 
ployed in poisoning by various poisons are chiefly the follow¬ 
ing: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, white rats, mice, 
monkeys, fowls, pigeons, frogs, turtles and toads. The first 
four and frogs are most used ; as a rule, the best results being 
obtained by using medium-size dogs. Some poisons have 
nearly, if not quite, opposite effects upon cats from those 
which they produce upon dogs; the effects upon dogs being 
analogous to those upon man. There are other notaLe differ¬ 
ences in animal phenomena, calling for an intimate knowledge 
of both animal peculiarities and the methods of operation of 
poisons in such. 

Where individuals, or the members of a laboratory group, 
administer a poison, note the phenomena resulting, and apply 
suitable remedial measures, the following facts should be care¬ 
fully recorded: The date, name of the observer or observers, 
the place, the kind of animal, its color, markings, condition, 
sex, apparent age, weight, etc. The preliminary measures em¬ 
ployed (such as anesthesia, etc.). The name, condition and 
form of the poison to be employed (its purity; if a solid, 
liquid or gaseous substance, etc.). The quantity and time of 
administration of the first and subsequent doses. The effects 
pf each as regards vomitina and. excretions, stupor or delirium 


318 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


or excitement, etc. The position taken by the animal, and 
if maintained. The muscular action (twitchings and other 
motions), their regularity or the reverse, frequency, severity, 
duration, etc. The respirations, their frequency, regularity, 
force, depth, etc. The pulse, temperature, condition of eyes 
and mental condition. Additional facts. 

Some of the physiological causes of toxic phenomena in man, 
and the doses to be employed in laboratory demonstrations 
and investigations upon animals, are given below. Experience 
teaches that there is a marked individuality regarding the pow¬ 
ers of resistance of an animal of a given kind to the effects 
of a certain poison, as compared with another animal of the 
same kind which has been given a proportionate dose of the 
same poison. Allowances for such must be made in comput¬ 
ing dosage and in anticipating effects. 

Acetanilid. Paralysis of motor and sensory nerves. De¬ 
pression of heart and vasomotor mechanism, producing im¬ 
mediate fall of arterial blood pressure. Depression of res¬ 
piratory center, diminished oxygen-carrying power of the 
blood, and paralysis of peripheral motor nerves. Formation of 
methemoglobin. Hemolysis may occur. There is loss of heat 
through vaso-dilatation from the central action. 

On frogs it seems to paralyze motor nerve endings. When 
convulsions occur in animals, such are sometimes of spinal 
and sometimes of cerebral origin. Doses (toxic). Dog: 
0.7 to 0.8 gm. x kilogram by mouth. Rabbit: 0.2 to 0.4 gm. x 
kg. by mouth. 

Anilin. On frog: 2 drops in mouth producing convulsions, 
cardiac paralysis and death. 

Phenacetin. On dog: 0.3 to 0.5 gm. x kg. by mouth toxic 
and fatal. 

Acid, Carbolic. Depression of cerebrum and heart; heart 
stops in diastole. Arterial tension reduced. Stimulation of 
center and periphery of vagi. Depression followed by paralysis 
of respiration from depression of centers. Carbolic acid* is 
absorbed from the stomach particularly when associated with 
alcohol; and it readily diffuses into the blood, where it probably 
exists as an alkaline carbolate. Although it is eliminated by 
all the secretions, such occurs mainly through the lungs and 
kidneys. In the urine it appears as salts of sulphocarbolic and 
glycuronic acids, etc., but considerable of the phenol is elim¬ 
inated without being changed. There is diminished heat pro¬ 
duction and increased heat dissipation. Fall in blood pressure 
through paralysis of vasomotor center. In collapse from 
phenol all the medullary centers and the cardiac muscle are 
involved, and consequently the collapse cannot be removed by 
artificial respiration. However, in collapse from drugs of the al¬ 
coholic series, the opposite maintains. Dose. Dog: 0.2 to 0.3 gm. 
x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Cat: 0.1 to 0.2 gm. x kg. (in 
solution) hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Rabbit: 0.1 to 0.2 gm. 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


319 


x kg. hypoderm., toxic; 0.5 to 0.7 gm. x kg. hpoderm., toxic 
and fatal. Guinea Pig: 0.4 to 0.6 gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic 
and fatal. Frog: 1 to 8 mg. (in 5 per cent, solution) hypo¬ 
derm., toxic and fatal. Anesthetized dog: 50 mg. x kg. in vein, 
toxic; by stomach 1 to 2 cc. x kg., dilute or concentrated, toxic 
and fatal. 

Acid, Hydrocyanic. There is a primary involvement of the 
medullary centers, followed by that of other nervous centers. 
First a stimulation of the respiratory center producing fuller 
and more rapid respiratory movements. Then convulsive 
respiratory movements develop, accompanied by dyspnoea, with 
ultimate paralysis of respiration ; falling blood pressure, medul¬ 
lary and cardiac paralysis. Oxygen absorption is prevented, 
and the failure to reduce the oxyhemoglobin causes the venous 
blood to retain its bright red color. Dose: 5 to 15 cc. of a 2 
per cent, solution is toxic and fatal by mouth. Rabbit, 5 to 10 
cc. of the same solution. 

Acid, Mineral. By chemical combination with the proto¬ 
plasm, the tissue is dissolved, i. e., corroded. By coagulation 
of the myosin, muscular rigidity is produced. In combining 
with the protoplasm mineral acids neutralize the alkalies and 
form mineral salts. They combine with the albumin, forming 
acid albumin. Therefore, their local action is more or less 
caustic. Dose: hydrochloric acid, toxic and fatal effects. 
Rabbit, 1 per cent, solution by mouth 1 gm. x kg. Heart ac¬ 
tion and respiration slowed, paralysis and convulsions followed 
by death. Guinea pig, 5 to 30 cc. 

Acid, Oxalic. Affects central nervous system, especially the 
medullary centers. The mental functions and reflexes are first 
stimulated and then paralyzed. Death may be due to either 
cardiac or respiratory paralysis. Dose: Rabbit, 2 to 4 gm. 
by mouth, toxic and fatal. Guinea pig, 0.1 gm. hypodermically, 
toxic and fatal. Frog, 0.05 to 0.1 gm. hypodermically, toxic, 
may be fatal. 

Aconitine. The vasomotor center successively stimulated 
and depressed, and a very variable blood pressure occurs. The 
effects upon the heart are the result of direct action upon the 
heart muscle and also due to a stimulation and depression of 
the vagus and the accelerator mechanisms. There is increase 
in the rate of the heart action for a time. The heart becomes 
very arhythmic. Finally the medullary centers are paralyzed. 
Blood pressure is lowered by direct depression of the heart 
or its motor ganglia. Ultimately the heart is arrested in 
diastole. Clonic convulsions may result through interference 
with the cerebral circulation. The sensory neurons of the 
spinal cord and the sensory filaments of the peripheral nerves 
are depressed. As aconitine has a sedative effect upon the 
stomach, toxic doses may not vomit. Dose: Aconitine, rabbit, 
1.5 mg. x kg. hypodermically. Guinea pig, 2 mg. x kg. Pigeon, 
.06 mg. x kg. Frog, 0.2 mg. x kg. hypodermically. 


320 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Apomorphine. On central nervous system, first stimulant 
then paralyzant in its action. The cardiac muscle may be 
paralyzed, also the respiratory center. Dose: Dog, 2 to 4 mg. 
x kg. hypoderm. causes emesis by action on medullary center. 
Rabbit, same dose acts as a cerebral stimulant, causing excite¬ 
ment, but does not vomit. Grain to tfs applied to frog’s 
heart diminishes action and causes paralysis. 

Arsenic. There is a fall in blood pressure, chiefly the result 
of the following: A peripheral vascular paralysis (capillary). 
Depression of the vasomotor center and diminished cardiac 
action. A great amount of b'ood is drawn from the general 
circulation by the distention of the splanchnic area, thus re¬ 
acting upon other organs, and a paralysis of the central 
nervous system may result. There is increased permeability of 
the capillary walls. In the intestine there is marked exudation 
into the connective tissue. 

Dose. Liquor Potasse Arsenitis (U. S. P.) : Dog, 1 cc. x kg. 
by mouth, toxic and fatal. Rabbit, 1 cc. by mouth, fatal as a 
rule. 

Belladonna (Atropine). Stimulation followed by paralysis 
of various parts of the central nervous system, particularly 
of the medullary and cerebral centers. A primary paralysis 
of certain peripheral nerve endings, as those governing secre¬ 
tion, accommodation, and the action of cardiac and intestinal 
muscle. Primarily stimulation, subsequently paralysis of 
smooth and cardiac muscle. 

Dose. Atropine Sulphate: Dog, 20 mg. to 0.4 x kg. hypo- 
derm. produces paralysis of vagi and proves fatal as a rule. 
Cat, 0.05 to 0.08 gm. x kg., paralysis of vagi. Rabbit, 1 to 2 
gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic. Dog (anesthetized), 1 mg. x kg. 
hypoderm., vagi paralyzed. Rabbit (anesthetized), 10 to 15 mg. 
x kg. hypoderm., prompt paralysis of vagi. Guinea pig, 0.5 
to 0.8 gm. hypoderm., fatal. Frog, 0.1 gm., fatal dose. Solu¬ 
tion 1/6 to 1/10 per cent, applied to frog’s heart causes arrest 
of mucous secretion and paralysis of vagus. 

Chloral. Depression of cortical cells of brain and of spinal 
cord. Respiratory center depressed, and its function may en¬ 
tirely cease from paralysis. There is an increased destruction 
of proteids. Ch’oral produces a destructive influence upon 
the blood and the blood vessels. Muscular metabolism is 
diminished through a lessened muscular activity. There is 
lessened oxidation in the cells of the body, and an increased 
heat dissipation owing to dilatation of the cutaneous vessels; 
a diminished heat production and reduction of bodily tempera¬ 
ture. 

Dose: Dog (anesthetized), 0.5 to 2 gm. x kg. in vein, toxic. 
Cat, 0.15 gm. x kg. by mouth, toxic and fatal. Frog, 0.1 gm., 
toxic and fatal. 

Chloretone. In true narcotic doses chloretone is more 
dangerous than chloral, but is useful as an anesthetic for lab- 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


321 


oratory animals, because of not requiring attention even in 
protracted operations. But when recovery of the animal is de¬ 
sired, as when no post-mortem changes are to be observed, it 
should not be used. The dog is given 20 mg. x kg. of mor¬ 
phine, and when vomiting has occurred, 0.2 gm. of chloretone 
per kilogram of animal is introduced into the animal’s stomach 
by means of the stomach tube; the chloretone is previously 
dissolved in the smallest quantity of alcohol which will dissolve 
it. Anesthesia occurs in 15 to 30 minutes, and usually con¬ 
tinues for several hours. In dogs there is a slow fall of 
blood pressure from chloretone. In rabbits the fall is rapid. 

Among the toxic effects of choloretone are a lowered blood 
pressure through a depression of the heart and vasomotor 
center, central vasomotor paralysis and cardiac depression. 
A great lowering of temperature and diminished consumption 
of oxygen from the effects produced upon metabolism. 

Dose: Rabbit, ounce x kg. of a saturated aqueous solution 
given per rectum usually is toxic and fatal. 0.2 to 0.3 gm. x 
kg. dissolved in alcohol and given per rectum, toxic and fatal. 

Chloroform. Depression of motor and sensory neurons of 
spinal cord. Medullary depression resulting in slowed res¬ 
pirations and fall of blood pressure. Vasomotor and cardiac 
paralysis, and diminished heat production. Probably there is 
a lessened irritability of the heat-regulating centers. Dose: 
Dog, cat, etc., 1 to 2 drachms hypodermically into femoral vein 
has toxic effect and produces rigor. Frog, 0.45 cc. hypodermi¬ 
cally, toxic and fatal. 

Cocaine. Depression of spinal cord and peripheral nerves, 
particularly of the sensory nerve filaments and of the sensory 
columns. Vasomotor paralysis and depression of cardio-in- 
hibitory centers. Marked reduction in arterial pressure. 
Paralysis of the respiratory center. 

Dose: Dog, 15 to 30 mg. x kg. hypoderm., commonly fatal. 
Rabbit, 60 to 70 mg. x kg. by mouth, toxic; 100 to 500 mg. 
x kg. hypoderm., usually fatal. Guinea pig, 60 to 70 mg. x 
kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Frog, 3 mg. fatal. 1 per cent, 
solution applied to vascular surface causes vaso-constriction 
and temporary paralysis of nerve trunks. 

Conium (Coniine). Paralyses of both ganglia and motor 
endings. Action is therefore half-way between that of curare 
and of nicotine. The central nervous system, particularly the 
medullary centers, depressed, and the symptoms which occur 
are referable chiefly to the motor system. An ascending 
paralysis ensues; it is probably due to a reduced conductivity 
of the cord to impulses coming from the brain. The first in¬ 
terference being a blocking of the path, to those impulses 
which have the greatest distance to travel. The ascending 
paralysis gradually proceeds from the lower extremities to 
the tongue; thus speech may be lost while the brain is still 
active and the mind clear. The historic symptoms of Socrates, 


322 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


after drinking the fatal cup of hemlock, well exemplify the 
leading features of an ascending paralysis thus induced. 

Dose: Dog, 0.2 to 0.4 gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic. Cat, 0.05 
to 0.4 gm. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Rabbit, 80 to 100 mg. 
x kg., toxic and fatal. Guinea pig, 0.5 x kg. hypoderm., toxic 
and fatal. Frog, 0.06 gm. x gm. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Convallaria. Action similar to that of Digitalis. Dose: 
Guinea pig, 0.04 to 0.1 gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 
Frog, 0.26 to 0.30 mg. x gm., toxic and fatal. 

Curare. Paralysis of ends of motor nerves distributed to 
respiratory muscles. Central paralysis may result. End plates 
of motor nerves of striated muscles are paralyzed, the respira¬ 
tory and smaller muscles being affected first. Unstriped muscle 
terminations and sensory nerves are unaffected. There is a 
paralysis of the peripheral ganglia sympathetic. There is a re¬ 
duction in blood pressure and a diminished general metabolism. 
Although in warm-blooded animals death results from a 
paralysis of the respiratory muscles, nevertheless, if the dose 
has been barely large enough to produce a respiratory paraly¬ 
sis, recovery may occur if artificial respiration be maintained. 
In cold-blooded animals where the respiratory exchange oc¬ 
curs chiefly through the skin, respiratory movements not being 
necessary, elimination of the poison gradually takes place if 
the animal be kept in a moist atmosphere so as to favor such 
action. Direct application of curare to the spinal cord causes 
the typical convulsions of strychnine poisoning; as ordinarily 
administered such effects are masked by the paralysis of the 
nerve endings. Sometimes, however, typical strychnine con¬ 
vulsions appear before the development of the typical curare 
action. Dose: Frog, J 4 to 3 cc. of a 1 per cent, solution of 
curare, introduced into dorsal lymph sac of frog, toxic, 
paralyzant. 

Digitalis (Digitalin. Digitoxin). Vagus center partially 
paralyzed, or may be intense irritability of cardiac muscle, re¬ 
sulting in delirium cordis. An arhythmia; inefficient cardiac 
contractions and cardiac exhaustion with relaxation in diastole. 
The blood pressure is irregular and ultimately it is greatly 
lowered. Inasmuch as absorption of digitalis occurs more 
rapidly than its elimination, it has an accumulative effect when 
given at about the limit dosage or over a protracted period in 
large doses. Dose: Dog (anesthetized), 1 to 5 mg. x kg. 
hypoderm., toxic. Frog, 3 to 5 mg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Ether. Over-stimulation and paralysis of respiratory cen¬ 
ter. Great reduction in temperature from depression of cir¬ 
culation and respiration, and rapid evaporation of the ether, by 
which body and lungs are chilled. The nervous mechanism 
governing the heat centers appears not to participate in this 
effect. Dose: Dog (anesthetized), 8 to 15 cc. hypoderm., toxic. 
Frog, 6 to 8 cc. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Formaldehyde. Large doses injected into the blood cause 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


323 


coagulation, producing methemoglobin and hematin. Dose: 
Rabbit, 0.25 to 0.5 gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Gelsemium (Gelsemine). Depression of heart and of spinal 
cord, especially of its motor neurons. The peripheral filaments 
of the cranial nerves are paralyzed, also gradually the respira¬ 
tory center. Its mydriatic action appears to be due to a 
paralysis of the motor oculi nerve. Dose: Guinea pig, 2 to 6 
gm. x kg. hypoderrn., toxic and fatal. Frog, 7 to 15 mg. x 
gm. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Local application to heart of 
2 per cent, solution causes paralysis. 

Hyoscyamus (Hyoscyamine). Action similar to Bella¬ 
donna. Dose: Guinea pig, 10 gm. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and 
fatal. Frog, 10 to 15 mg. x gm., toxic and fatal. Hyoscyamine: 
Cat, 0.03 to 0.06 mg. hypoderm. causes paralysis of vagi. Frog, 
5 to 10 mg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Iodine (Iodides). Employed internally, rapid absorption 
occurs in the form of iodides, and promptly appears in all of 
the body secretions. Most of it is removed in the urine in the 
form of iodides. Iodides in the blood are supposed to be con¬ 
verted into sodium iodide without affecting the composi¬ 
tion of the blood. It is supposed that they form a loose 
combination with proteids. It is asserted that potassium 
iodide dilates the blood vessels, thus increasing the secre¬ 
tion of glands. Dose: Dog (anesthetized), tincture of iodine 
4 cc. hypoderm., toxic. Rabbit (anesthetized), 0.1 to 1.0 gm. x 
kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 

Ipecac (Emetine). Reduction of temperature by poisonous 
doses. In dogs very large doses produce cardiac paralysis, es¬ 
pecially if injected into the jugular vein. Dose: Dog, emetine, 
1 to 2 mg. x kg. hypoderm., emetic. Dog, cat, rabbit, 0.1 to 0.2 
gm. x kg. hypoderm. or 0.02 to 0.05 gm. x kg. injected into 
femoral vein is promptly toxic; fatal. Frog, 5 to 10 mg. hypo¬ 
derm., toxic, paralysis, fatal. 

Mercury (Corrosive Sublimate). The soluble salts of mer¬ 
cury to some extent inhibit the digestive properties. The in¬ 
soluble salts are somewhat irritating and produce increased 
peristalsis and secretions. They act but slightly upon the 
digestive ferments. Leukocytosis, etc., may be produced by 
large doses. Dose: Dog corrosive sublimate, 1 to 2 ounces 
of one per cent, solution by mouth toxic, producing more or 
less corrosion of alimentary canal. In rabbit same dosage 
fatal, with alimentary canal corrosion. 

Methylene Blue. There is a strong affinity between the axis 
cylinders of nerves and methylene blue. Dose: Dog (anes¬ 
thetized), 0.1 to 0.2 gm. in solution into femoral vein, toxic 
and fatal. 

Muscarine. Stimulates the cardiac endings, which are para¬ 
lyzed by atropine. Contractility of skeletal muscles is dimin¬ 
ished. Fall of blood pressure. Vasomotor paralysis. Dose: 
Dog, y 2 to 3 mg., toxic; 1 mg. hypoderm, produces toxic ef- 


324 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


fects; 3 to 12 mg., toxic and fatal effects. Frog, 5 to 7 mg. 
hypoderm. paralyzes vagi and fatal. 

Opium (Morphine). Stimulates vagi both centrally and 
peripherally and slightly stimulates the heart or the ganglia 
which it contains. Paralysis of vagi and heart with resultant 
rapid, feeble pulse finally occurs. It is supposed that opium 
depresses both the cerebral perceptive centers and the afferent 
paths in the spinal cord. Morphine locally employed directly 
depresses the sensory nerve filaments. It is a powerful res¬ 
piratory depressant even to the point of paralysis. Peristalsis 
is stimulated in toxic doses, the inhibitory nerves being 
paralyzed. The pupils are contracted through stimulation of 
the motor oculi centers. Dryness of mouth and thirst result 
from the checking of the secretions of the salivary glands by 
it. All of the bodily secretions, except that of perspiration, are 
lessened. Over-stimulation, and consequent exhaustion of the 
vasomotor center and vagi, produces a rapid and weak pulse. 
Lactic acid forms in the blood through defective oxidation. 
Dose. Morphine sulphate: Dog, 5 to 7 mg. x kg. hypodermic 
produces vomiting; 0.3 to 1.0 gm. injected into femoral vein 
of medium-sized dog is toxic. Cat, 40 mg. x kg. produces ex¬ 
citement. Rabbit, 0.15 to 0.3 gm. x kg. hypodermic is toxic 
and fatal; 0.5 to 1.0 gm. x kg. by mouth is narcotic, toxic and 
fatal, as a rule. Guinea pig, 0.5 to 0.7 gm. x kg., toxic and 
fatal. Frog, 0.05 to 0.08 gm. in posterior lymph sac, toxic, may 
be tetanus, and fatal. (Thebaine, one of the alkaloids of opium, 
belongs to the strychnine group of motor excitants, acting 
largely upon the spinal cord, causing an increase in the activity 
of its reflex functions.) 

Nux Vomica (Strychnine). Augmented susceptibility to 
external stimulation, the slightest external stimulus produc¬ 
ing a greatly exaggerated reflex. Spasmodic and distressing 
muscular contraction, chiefly affecting the extensors. Opis¬ 
thotonos. Toxic doses of strychnine ultimately produce 
paralysis of the motor apparatus, with loss of voluntary move¬ 
ment, the result of over-stimulation of the reflex centers in the 
spinal cord, causing exhaustion of the same. The pulse is 
slowed and weakened, due to an over-stimulation of the motor 
mechanism and of the heart muscle itself. Blood pressure is 
increased and the visceral vessels constricted. Asphyxia may 
occur through interruption of breathing from the tetanic con¬ 
tractions of the respiratory muscles; these muscles finally be¬ 
come exhausted and death occurs from the excessive tetanic 
contraction and asphyxiated condition or from paralysis of the 
respiratory center. Respiration may cease some time before 
the heart stops. Dose. Strychnine Sulphate: Dog, cat, 0.75 
to 1.0 mg. x kg. hypodermic, toxic and fatal. Dog, 2 to 4 mg. 
x kg. by mouth, toxic and fatal. Rabbit, 4 to 5 mg. x kg. by 
mouth, toxic, may be fatal ; 0.58 to 0.6 mg. x kg. hypoderm., 
toxic and fatal. Guinea pig, 4.5 to 5.0 mg. x kg., toxic and 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


325 


fatal. Tetanus convulsions may be produced by much smaller 
doses. Note, in convulsions in frog legs are extended and 
arms flexed. Is possible to hold frog in horizontal position 
by the feet. Convulsions commonly intermit, frog paralyzed 
between spasms. Spasms start with cry. 

Paraldehyd. Cardiac exhaustion and lowered arterial pres¬ 
sure. Depression of respiratory center and finally paralysis. 
Dose: Dog, etc., i to 2 gm. x kg. anesthetic. Rabbit, 3 to 5 gm. 
x kg. by mouth paralyzes vasomotors. 

Phosphorus. Cardiac depression. Kidney epithelium irri¬ 
tated. Fatty degeneration of retinal capillaries. It is believed 
that a portion of the phosphorus is oxidized in the stomach. 
Then the phosphoric acid which is formed combines with the 
alkalies and enters the blood in the form of phosphates. Some 
of the phosphorus appears to be dissolved in the oils and fats 
which are contained in the stomach and probably passes into the 
circulation in the form of elementary phosphorus. Dose: Dog, 
20 to 30 mg. x kg. by mouth (in oil or mucilage), toxic and 
usually fatal. Produces transitory leucocytosis. 

Physostigma (Physostigmine). Powerful stimulation of 
intestinal contractions. Depression of medulla and spinal cord. 
Abolished spinal reflexes, finally paralyse of medullary centers. 
It causes fibrillary twitchings from its action upon muscle sub¬ 
stance. The fibrillary twitchings of aconite poisoning are due 
to its action on motor endings. Dose. Physostigmine Sali¬ 
cylate: Dog, 4 to 6 mg. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Cat 
and rabbit, 2 to 4 mg. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Guinea 
pig, 4 to 6 mg. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Frog, 0.5 to 
0.8 mg. hypodermic, toxic and fatal. Dog (anesthetized), 
0.5 to 3 mg. x kg. hypoderm. removes effect of curare. 

Picrotoxin. Acts chiefly on medulla. Clonic convulsions, 
increased respirations. Slowed heart and pulse, rise in arterial 
pressure. Increased reflex irritability of spinal cord. Vaso¬ 
motor center stimulated. Depression of cardiac muscle. 
Finally all stimulant action gives way to paralysis. Medullary 
centers paralyzed. In the frog spasms of the laryngeal muscles 
result in distention of the body with air and a characteristic 
cry quite like that frequently heard in poisoning of a frog 
with strychnine. The convulsions are cyclic and occur, as a 
rule, only after a period of depression. Between the con¬ 
vulsive periods the frog often appears to be paralyzed. Smce 
in convulsions the action may be located in the sensory nerve 
endings, in the brain, the medulla, the spinal cord, the motor 
endings, or even the muscle fibers, it is interesting to locate 
such action in using the various convulsants. Motor stimula¬ 
tion may be central or peripheral. When central it is abolished 
by progressive destruction of the central nervous system, and 
its exact location thus noted. In poisoning of a frog by 
picrotoxin it is seen to be located in the medulla; by strych¬ 
nine in the spinal cord; by atropine and cocaine in the cere- 


326 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


brum itself. Peripheral motor stimulation, not abolished by 
nerve section upon test, but abolished by curare, hence in the 
motor endings, as by aconitine and nicotine poisoning; not 
abolished by nerve section or by curare, hence in the muscle fi¬ 
bers, as in poisoning by caffeine, physostigmine, and veratrine. 
In picrotoxin, emprosthotonos and may be “bucking.” Convul¬ 
sive action chiefly on flexor muscles. Dose: Dog, io to 15 mg. x 
kg. hypoderm., toxic; convulsions, paralysis, death; 0.06 to 
0.1 gm. x kg. by mouth, toxic and fatal. Cat, 1 to 2 mg. x kg. 
hypoderm., toxic. Guinea pig, 5 to 10 mg. x kg. hypoderm., 
toxic; 10 to 15 mg. x kg. hypoderm., fatal. Frog, 5 to 8 mg. 
hypoderm., convulsant; 10 to 15 mg. hypoderm., fatal. 

Pilocarpine. Primary stimulation is followed by depression 
of the nerve endings, the ganglia and cells. There is depres¬ 
sion of the respiratory center, and vasomotor paralysis. Motor 
centers, especially of the cord, are paralyzed (atropine is a 
physiologic antidote). Finally a marked paralysis of various 
parts of the central nervous system. Late there is a paralysis 
of the motor oculi endings. When pilocarpine is applied to 
the heart of a frog it produces stimulation, then paralysis. It 
appears to be a direct paralysis of the heart muscle. Dose. 
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride: Dog, rabbit, etc., 5 to 8 mg. x kg. 
hypoderm. causes free salivation. Rabbit, 0.4 to 0.5 gm. 
hypoderm. x kg., toxic. Guinea pig, 0.04 to 0.05 gm. x kg., 
toxic and fatal. Frog, 0.05 to 0.1 gm., toxic and fatal. 

Potassium Permanganate. Gives up a part of its oxygen 
when it comes in contact with organic matter. 

Silver Nitrate. Precipitates the albumin of the cells with 
which it comes in contact, and contracts the blood vessels. In 
its concentrated state a caustic, coating the parts affected with 
a silver albuminate; but its corrosive effects are superficial, 
owing to the impenetrable character of the coagulum, promptly 
formed. Therefore its astringent action is exerted mainly upon 
the gastric mucous membrane, when it is swallowed. Only 
a very small proportion of that swallowed enters the circula¬ 
tion. Dose: Characteristic effects may be obtained with 10 to 
20 per cent, solutions, under anesthesia, or by weaker, other¬ 
wise. 

Strophanthus. Much resembles digitalis in its action, but 
differs in some respects. In concentrated form it acts as a 
muscle-poison, producing paralysis and a tonic contraction of 
the fibers. It is eliminated about as rapidly as it is absorbed, 
consequently has little or no cumulative effects. Dose: Rabbit, 
0.1 to 0.2 gm. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. Guinea pig, 7 to 
10 mg. x kg., toxic and fatal. Frog, 0.01 to 0.03 mg. x gm., 
toxic and fatal. Dog (anesthetized), 0.05 to 0.15 gm. x kg., 
toxic, fatal. 

Tobacco (Nicotine). The peripheral effects of nicotine are 
quite similar to those of pilocarpine, except that the action is 
confined to the ganglia, and paralysis promptly follows stim- 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


327 


illation. The nicotine effects may be removed by atropine or 
muscarine. Nicotine convulsions are not entirely located in 
the spinal cord, but also in the medulla and hind brain. Stim¬ 
ulation of the central and ganglionic vagus slows the heart, 
but subsequent paralysis of the vagus ganglia suddenly greatly 
quickens it. Increasing depression of the vasomotor ganglia 
dilates the blood vessel and reduces the blood pressure. Fi¬ 
nally reduced coronary pressure wears out the heart muscle. 
After short stimulation effect, nicotine paralyzes the ganglia 
in relation to unstriped muscle. (Curare acts chiefly upon 
end plates, nicotine upon ganglia.) Upon frogs nicotine causes, 
in toxic doses, first an extension of the forearms, finally also 
of the hind legs. Dose : Dog and rabbit, a few drops of the 
alkaloid dropped upon the tongue of the animal usually causes 
convulsions. Dog, 0.05 to 0.2 gm. hypoderm., toxic and fatal, 
as a rule. Rabbit, 20 to 30 mg. x kg., toxic and usually fatal. 
Guinea pig, 30 to 50 mg. x kg. hypoderm., toxic and fatal. 
Frog, 2 to 4 mg. hypoderm., toxic and usually fatal. Dog or 
cat (anesthetized), 2 to 12 mg. x kg. hypoderm., toxic effects; 
vagus stimulated, then paralysis, paralysis ganglia. 

Veratrine. Causes striated muscles to respond intensely to 
stimuli and there is a great prolongation of the period of con¬ 
traction. Ultimately the muscles become paralyzed. Depres¬ 
sion of medullary centers and heart. Convulsions result from 
stimulation of spinal cord centers. In many respects veratrine 
acts like aconite. It finally depresses the central nervous sys¬ 
tem more or less generally. In rabbits one of its common 
toxic effects is to make the animal “buck.” It is corrosive. 
Frequently causes dizziness and blindness from its superior 
central action. Dose. Veratrine Sulphate: Rabbit, 2 to 3 mg. 
x kg. hypoderm. causes convulsions; 1 cc. of 1 per cent, solu¬ 
tion by mouth causes corrosion of stomach. Rabbit (anes¬ 
thetized), 8 to 10 mg. hypoderm. paralyzes heart. Frog, 1 mg. 
hypoderm., toxic and fatal, as a rule; Yz per cent, solution 
applied to frog’s heart stops it in systole. 


THE PRODUCTION OF ANTI-TOXINES FROM 
MINERAL AND VEGETABLE POISONS. 

It is possible that the common mineral and vegetable poisons, 
such as arsenic, lead, mercury, atropine, morphine, etc., may 
cause the formation of antitoxines, as do the organisms of diph¬ 
theria, tetanus, etc., when administered for such purpose. 
Hirschlaff claims to have been successful in producing an anti¬ 
toxic serum capable of counteracting poisoning by morphine. He 
injected gradually increasing doses of morphine into rabbits and 
then administered, to other rabbits, some of the thus prepared 
serum, along with fatal doses of morphine. He claims to have 
found that much larger doses of morphine could be administered 



328 


PHARMACOLOGICAL TOXICOLOGY 


without fatal effects, when associated with such serum than with, 
out the latter. Also that the same serum was similarly protective 
to mice. He furthermore claims to have demonstrated that the 
antitoxic-rabbit's-serum is beneficial in acute morphine poisoning 
of the human ; and that in cases of the morphine habit, it enables 
the victim to promptly discontinue the drug without experiencing 
the distressing nervous symptoms commonly encountered. How¬ 
ever, this and other sera of similar character, such as an alco¬ 
holic-serum, etc., have as yet not been so satisfactorily demon ¬ 
strated as to be accepted by the scientific world. Further 
demonstration is necessary for acceptance. 


THE FATAL DOSE, AND CAUSES OF DEATH 

It is very difficult to declare positively the exact 
fatal dose of any particular poison. Age of person, 
condition of stomach as regards food, early and free 
vomiting, tolerance of that particular poison from 
habit or otherwise, etc., all more or less influence the 
effect and result. 

Even in some authenticated cases, the exact quan¬ 
tity is unknown, and in others the strength of the 
preparation used is not stated. 

Some poisons are exceedingly active or deadly in 
very small doses. Among these are Aconitine gr. 
i/io; Digitaline gr. %; Hydrocyanic Acid gr. i; 
Strychnine gr. l / 2 ; etc., also some animal poisons, 
such as the venom of certain snakes, the bite of the 
tarantula, etc. Some of the toxines are exceedingly 
poisonous. The toxin of diphtheria is so poisonous 
that, it is said, so small a quantity of it as one four- 
millionth of the body-weight will produce death. 

Poisons may cause death: by producing great re¬ 
duction in body temperature; by hemorrhage due to 
corrosive perforation of blood vessels; by severe 
pain, protracted vomiting or convulsions producing 
exhaustion; by cerebral or cardiac paralysis; by 
swelling of the glottis or epiglottis; by pulmonary 
edema; etc. 

The poison may be chemically discovered in the 
living body, in its blood or urine, or even in the 
serum of a blister. In the corpse the poison may be 
found in the blood, in the viscera or other tissues 
or in the secretions, 



PECULIAR EFFECTS. 


329 


PECULIAR FOOD AND DRUG EFFECTS 

(Produced by the ingestion of them) 

SUBSTANCES EXCRETED IN MOTHER’S MILK 

When certain substances are taken by a nursing 
mother, commonly they are excreted in her milk. 
Such are Ammonia and various aromatic and vola¬ 
tile oils (such as the oils of Anise, Cumin, Dill, 
Wormwood, etc.) ; also Garlic, Turpentine, and Co¬ 
paiba; the purgative principles of Rhubarb, Senna, 
Castor Oil, and Scammony, etc.; also Opium, Iodine, 
Iodides, Antimony, Arsenic, Bromides, Quinine, Sul¬ 
phur, Hexamethylenamin, Bismuth, Iron, Lead, 
Mercury, and Zinc. Therefore, the actions of certain 
drugs administered to the mother may be observed 
in and may even poison her child; among such are 
Opium, Arsenic, Potassium Iodid, Mercury, etc.; 
Senna, Castor Oil and some other purgatives may 
act as drastic cathartics, influencing the action of 
other drugs or of irritant or other foods. 

SUBSTANCES CAUSING SKIN ERUPTION 

OR ITCHING 

Antimony, Antipyrine, certain sera—antitoxins, 
vaccines, glandular extracts, etc. Arsenic, Arsenicals, 
Belladonna, Boric Acid, Bromides, Cantharides, Cin¬ 
chona, Chloral, Copaiba, Croton Oil, Crowfoot, Cu- 
beb, Emetin, Ergot, Iodine and Iodides, certain es¬ 
sential oils and aromatic substances, such as Cloves, 
Pennyroyal, Peppermint, etc.; also Hexamethylena¬ 
min, Hyoscyamus, Morphine, Opium, Mustard, 
Phenol, Quinin, Salol, Salicylic Acid, Sulphonal, Tar, 
shell fish, currants, red berries, tomatoes, pickles, 
cheese, etc. Also food proteins, and synthetic com¬ 
pounds. 


.330 


MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


SUBSTANCES ALTERING COLOR OF URINE 

Dark green, or brown—Phenol. 

Bluish green—Methylene Blue. (If acid.) 

Brown or greenish-brown—Phosphorus, Phenol, 
Lead, Mercury, etc. 

Yellow or yellowish—Phallin, Phosphorus, Diamin, 
Rhubarb, Santonin. (If urine acid.) Salol, To¬ 
luene, Senna, etc. (If urine alkaline.) 

Purple—Santonin. (If urine alkaline.) Yellow. 
(Acid). 

Red or reddish—Santoni.. (On exposure to air.) 

Senna. (If urine acid.) Solanin, Sulfonal, Phallin, 
Antipyrine, Fuchsin, Trional, etc. 

Very dark, black or smoky—Sulfonal, Phenol, Creo¬ 
sote, and various kidney irritating drugs. • 

A light color—produced by drugs which increase 
the amount of the urine, (as, Potassium Salts, 
Digitalis, etc.). 

SUBSTANCES PRODUCING ODOROUS 

URINE 

Acid Hydrocyanic (odor of bitter almonds), va¬ 
rious ethereal (essential, volatile) oils, and their 

vegetable sources, Turpentine, Cubeb, Asparagus, 

Gin, etc. 

SUBSTANCES ALTERING COLOR OF FECES 

Deeper color—Purgatives. 

Black or dark gray—Bismuth salts, Iron, Lead, 
Manganese, etc. 

Green or greenish—Colchicum, Mercury (as Calo¬ 
mel, etc.), etc. 


SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS. 


331 


SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS OF POISONING. 

(GENERAL HINTS) 

When a person apparently in good health suddenly becomes 
sick, vomiting or purging or both, or showing symptoms of 
great vasomotor disturbance, or marked cerebral symptoms, 
one should suspect the invasion of some acute disease, the 
presence of a severe gastro-intestinal irritant, or the action of 
some active poison, in the absence of a history of shock. If 
several persons are affected in the same way a food poisoning 
should be suspected. 

Convulsions, if present, might be due to acute disease, some 
gastro-intestinal irritant, or such poison as one of the alkalies, 
or strychnine, etc. Vomiting and purging might be due to 
disease or to such poison as ptomains, salts of the metals, 
aconite, alkalies, arsenic, or corrosive sublimate, etc. 

As a rule, when vomiting and purging occur they are 
nature’s methods of removing that which is a menace to the 
individual and they should be judiciously encouraged. 

Great disturbance of heart action or of respiration, marked 
change in the color or appearance of the skin, a quick, feeble 
pulse, hyperesthesia, anesthesia, prickling sensations, pupillary, 
speech, and temperature changes, stupor and coma, are phe¬ 
nomena which may point to acute disease or to a powerful 
irritant narcotic or depressant poison. 

Inquire as to the patient’s recent experiences, such as 
history of fall, exposure to elements or contagion, etc.; also 
regarding medicines, food and drink taken, and observe source 
and any remnants of them. Test them, if necessary. Care¬ 
fully inspect the vomit and excretions, noting color, odor, re¬ 
action and presence of foreign substances, such as undis¬ 
solved poison, parts of poisonous plants, etc. A peach-like or 
bitter almond odor of breath or vomit would cause one to 
suspect hydrocyanic acid poisoning; the peculiar odors of 
alcohol, ether, formaldehyde, opium, lysol, phenol, etc., are 
characteristic of the respective poison and should guide to 
confirmation by other evidences than odor. Observation of 
the urine as to its appearance and color may reveal the red 
color of antipyrine or fuchsine, or the greenish of methylin 
blue, phenol or mercury, etc. Often in suspicious cases it 
is wise to remove and subject to prompt chemical and micro¬ 
scopical tests not only vomited matters and the first stomach 
washings, but also medicine and food remnants. 

As it is very humiliating to a physician to have others dis¬ 
cover that what he had taken for disease was a plain case of 
poisoning, it behooves him to be on his guard and painstak¬ 
ingly observant. (See also pages 251, 324.) 


332 


TRANSFUSION 


TRANSFUSION 

The term transfusion is somewhat indefinite, 
inasmuch as it may mean the transferring of blood 
from one person to another, the introduction into 
an individual of blood taken from the blood ves¬ 
sels of another person, or the introduction of a 
saline solution or other substance into the blood 
vessels or some cavity of an individual. 

The term direct transfusion, or the transferring 
of blood from one person to another without expos¬ 
ing the blood to the air, is more definite, and the 
process has certain decided advantages over that of 
indirect transfusion, which is the transferring of 
blood from a cup or other container to a blood 
vessel. 

Normal or physiologic salt solution (see page 
118), or some modification of it, by intravenous in¬ 
jection, or otherwise, is useful after profuse hemor¬ 
rhage, severe diarrhoea, etc.; but it does not con¬ 
tain the red blood cells which may be requisite to 
replace those damaged in gas poisoning, etc., and it 
lacks fibrin ferment and fibrinogen, which are so 
essential in hemophilia; likewise, it lacks the ele¬ 
ments necessary for the nutrition of brain cells 
which have been damaged by shock. 

Blood transfusion is a central nervous and a 
cardiac stimulant. It supplies deficiencies and meets 
conditions for which saline transfusion is inadequate. 

Blood transfusion is especially serviceable in car¬ 
bon monoxide and other gas poisonings; in poison¬ 
ing by the saponins; in the poisonings by substances 
which produce methemoglobinemia, such as potas¬ 
sium chlorate, anilin and various other coal tar de- 
rivitives, picric acid, carbon disulphide, amyl and 
sodium nitrite, nitroglycerin, nitrobenzene, bromin, 
hydrogen cyanid, chromic acid and poisonous mush¬ 
rooms; in the profound toxic conditions produced 
by the proteins of various foods and other agents; 
in the after effects of severe hemorrhage unasso¬ 
ciated with hemolysis; also in certain other condi- 


PART X.—UNCONSCIOUSNESS OR COMA.—Its Interpretation and Treatment. 


— uc-yj O r 


?.•= s o C C « >•= t ag 


" a a s -a .t; « « •“ ° —- 

? O ? 03 i- ? JD ^ U © vTMn OF 

Oj > 4) a>S KIND Of 

1 

ETIOLOGY. 

development. 

CHARACTER. 

CONVULSIONS. 

PARALYSIS 

RESPIRATION. 

TEMPERATURE. 

FACE 

. 

PUPILS. 

PULSE. 

SKIN. „ 

STOMACH AND 

BOWELS. 

ODOR OF BREATH, ETC. 

URINE. 

TREATMENT. 

of eye, pa 
tongue or 
Lit neck, c 
■quinting, 

■ injury to 
ession of 
nd tongue 
e, freezin 
r other de 
ver; if sic 
d allow t< 
ns. Exam 

> 

o 

o 

cr 

o 

Alcoholism. 

Delirium. Coma lasts 

for hours; gradually 
lessens. Aroused by 
ammonia or shaking, 
but is incoherent. 

No convulsions. 
No paralysis. 

“Steamboat.” 
Stertorous. > 

.ieavy. 

jOW. Falls progres¬ 
sively from 1° to 6° 
Delow normal. 

Flushed 

swollen; 

aecome 

and 
may 1 
jallid. 

Dilated as a rule; 
but may be nor¬ 
mal; insensible to 
light; conjunctiva 
congested. 

Full and 
strong; later 
feeble. Is 
strong in Can¬ 
nabis Indica. 

First moist 
and warm, 
then cold. 

Vomiting, 

usually. 

Breath alcoholic. But 
alcohol may have 
caused ruptured cere¬ 
bral blood vessels in 
other coma. 

By analysis alco¬ 
hol. L rine re¬ 

tained. 

Apomorphine hypodermically. 
Empty stomach. Cold to head. 
Heat to extremities. Strych¬ 
nine to support heart. 

O 4 'n*’ , '"Wj!C5)C0 — — - 

3 2 -° a?3 ~s: 03 

1 “ S ljo 3 =o=i^ Belladonna. 
5 iJbiB‘o o c cx: a)’? ^ 

p o tfi,* £ G 

Belladonna, 

etc. 

Dryness of mouth 
and throat. Delirium 
precedes coma. 


Slow and deep. 

Frequently elevated. 

Flushed. 


Dilated. 

Much in- ^. 
creased. 

Hot and dry. 



Urine retained. 

Emetics or wash out stom¬ 
ach; inject Pilocarpine and 
stimulants subcutaneously. 
Douches; Opium. 

Chloral. 

C c c .2 ^ — rf .5 *0 £ .C CO 

Chloral, etc. 

Profound coma. Can¬ 
not be aroused. 


Diminished, sigh¬ 

ing or stertorous; 
then shallow and 
feeble. 

As low as 94° F. or 
even 91° F. 

Livid a 
floated. 

ad 

Contracted. Di¬ 

lated when awake. 

Slow, or very 
weak and 
quick. Later 
lost. 

Very cold. Fi¬ 
nally urticaria. 




Emetic or pump; arouse; hot 
applications; coffee, strycht 
nine; artificial respiration. 

22c" a S.^‘*'"®£ 0 

®tl § g 2 * . “ £ jj^s Hydrocyanic 

o§ ;»-£ 2? S’ Acid. 

v *> u o 5,3 - > « 

D ri . cg — uj c —r* 

Hydrocyanic 
acid, etc. 

Profound coma. 

Convulsions 

common. 

Short inspiration. 

Prolonged expira¬ 
tion. Uasping, 
panting. 




Dilated. Not re¬ 
acting to light. 

Imperceptible. 

Cold, covered 
with clammy 
perspiration. 


Odor of bitter al¬ 
monds. 


Stimulants; Ammonia m- 
ha'ations. 1-50 grain Atropine 
hypodermically. Artificial 

respiration. Battery. 

cious, rata 
on back, 
elevate it 
est eyes f 
if unequa 
iide, proba 
im on bre 
l skin ind 
eathing; i 
if rapid, i 
se success 
raemic, ep 

O 

•o 

S' 

p 

Opium, etc. 

Developed gradually. 

Aroused by noise, not 
by shaking. When 

aroused is coherent. 

No paralysis. 

First 8 to 10 per 
min., but deep; 
then 4 to 5 and 
long pauses. Shal¬ 
low. 


Sufi used 
red, the 
notic; 
pale and 

and 
i cya- 
inally 
livid. 

Contracted. Insen¬ 
sible to light. As 
death approaches, 
dilate. 

Strong. Slow 
and lull till 
late in poison¬ 
ing. 

First dry, per¬ 
haps warm ; 
later cold, 
clammy sweat. 


Opium in breath. 

Opium. 

Wash stomach; one pint 
strong coffee into rectum; 
Battery; keep moving; Atro¬ 
pine subcutaneously; artifi¬ 
cial respiration. Pot. Permang. 

xr. 0. 2_ . m w L . * 

c s a C.I ,c o » . 

8~j; • 5 § ° " Asphyxia. 

C -- -r. >v- u t- ^ £ 5 O 

s ad - c ^ ^ 

Exposure to 

gas or foul air. 

Cannot be aroused. 

May end in 
convulsions fol¬ 
lowing distress¬ 
ed breathing. 

Difficult owing to 
cedema of lungs. 

Low. 

Lips and 
tongue blue 
and discolored. 


Small. 

Rapid. 

Weak. 

Surface dry 
and hot. 


Much CO or C02 in 
breath. * 


Fresh air; inhalation of oxy¬ 
gen; artificial respiration. If 
by CO transfuse blood. 

c §£-5 2 r,£5£'^ Syncope 

(Cerebral 

S 0 o S-S'g J,- i AnaemiaJ. 

§,•02 =-° ".a.* ®| g 

Shock, etc. 

Coma develops sud¬ 

denly, but is tran¬ 
sient. 


Weak but unem¬ 
barrassed. 

Sighing. 


Pale. 



Absent at 
wrist. 

Cold and per¬ 
spiring. 




Lower head; stimulants; 

smelling salts; cold water to 
face. Heat to body. 

~'^t3o;o =, 5;r;£^M' Congestive.— 
0.3 Insolation. 

■m *•= o >,^-3 o a ■ ® - thermic lever. 
r °t; D -C'o’ H0 2" , o' 3 S Sunstroke. 

Exposure to 

heat or sun s 
rays. 

Develops gradually. 

Coma yields readily 
to treatment. 

No true paral. 

No coma. Col¬ 
lapse in heat 
exhaustion. 

Shallow. May be 
noisy. 

High. In heat ex¬ 
haustion no fever. 

Flushed 

Pale. 


Contracted or di¬ 
lated. 

Rapid, in 
leat exhaust’n, 
soft, feeble. 

Congested. In 
heat exhaustion 
moist, cool, 
pale. 

Involuntary 

diarrhoeal 

discharges. 


Passed involun¬ 

tarily. 

In heat stroke, cold to entir« 
body, as by bath; cold ene 
meta; stimuiants. Insnnstroke 
cold to head, heat to body. 

fGOp" u *-•- <U.2 - 

1® ® 2 a c ° s c c » 

» f t't. ° ? ® « ® 1 21 A P°P lectic , 

02 Q-J? t- c (bine trauma.) 

So a^'d o >*fe**- c ® 8 

Apoplexy (as 
a rule the left 
side and old 
and fat peo¬ 
ple). 

Suddenly developed. 
Profound stupor from 
beginning. No signs 
of injury. No oozing 
from nose or ears. 

One side toss¬ 
ed, other side 
motionless. 
Hemiplegia. 

Slow; stertorous. 

Elevated particularly 
on side paralyzed. 

Pale. 1 
drawn 
side. BI 

lay be 
lo one 
rated. 

Dilated or un¬ 
equal. Contracted 
if at Pons Varolii. 

Small. 

Slow. 

Weak. 

Tn head injury 
suspect cranial 
fracture. 

Body emaci¬ 
ated. Faeces 

retained. 

Breath sweet or may 
smell of alcohol, as 
acute alcoholism may 
have ruptured certain 
blood vessels. 

Urine abundant; 
passed involun¬ 

tarily; smells 
sweet. 

Keep head elevated; reduce 
pressure in arteries; venesec¬ 
tion if necessary; ice-bag to 
head; heat to extremities; 
purge; then alteratives. 

3CIOUS 
positioi 
: face bo 
Place 
contract 
> injury 
ism. M 
Sts. Ob 
.tes grea 
ig or bra 
tes shoe 
atient in 

M 

•o 

?r 

•o 

p’ 

Epilepsy. 

Cannot be aroused. 
Attack is short. 

Follows con¬ 
vulsions. 

Natural. 

High. 

Pale, o 

froth 

mouth. 

bitten. 

blue 

about 

longue 


Nearly normal. 



Odorless. 


Protect body from cold oc 
heat. Patiently wait for con¬ 
sciousness, protecting pa¬ 
tient from bruises- 

£ C^gjj^G © 8,0-8^ 

O- . o — >10 tlT: o^h 

Ooo — 5-; 'J n c.2 c tN. . . 

*7 —■•—5 ’-*.*© •— **— o''"./ Diabetic. 

52'H.s ?5 cs, gc pLr-2 

O >,C« t/3 . 

Diabetes. 

Develops slowly with 
sleepiness and great 
oppression. Patient can¬ 
not be aroused. Coma 
gradually deepens. 

No convulsions. 
No true pa¬ 
ralysis. 

Rapid. May be 
noisy. 

Usually normal. May 
go down to 90°. 

Pale. * 


Regular. 

Rapid. 

Weak. 



Breath smells sweet, 
like pear or apple, or 
chloroform. 

Chemical exam¬ 

ination shows sug- 
lr. Large amount 
passed involuntar¬ 
ily. 

Give inhalations of oxygen; 
intravenous injection of sa¬ 
line solution; opium if con¬ 
vulsions appear. 

1 POINTS ON 
ius. Observe 
t obstruct win 
lighten arms 
uch. If pupil 
e to touch, pr 
oated, probab 
ith in mouth 
rication; hot s 
idicates opiut 
ready and raj 
suspect paral 
is for fracture 

a 

*-i 

N 

3 

o’ 

Uratmia. 

Begins with delirium 
or convulsions; coma 
complete. 

Repeated con¬ 
vulsions, per¬ 
haps from first. 

Deep; quick; 
stertorous. 

Without convulsion is 
low. !n°-95°. With 
convulsion,high; may 
reach 108°. 

Waxy. 


Equal, size nor¬ 
mal or dilated. 
Puffy eyelids. 

Full, hard and 
strong, but not 
fast. Often 

only 40 to 50. 


General oedema 
of body. 

Urine odor about 
patient. 

Albumen and 
casts; urine 
scanty and re¬ 
tained. 

U ramie coma not neces 
sarily fatal. Pilocarpine hy¬ 
podermically; Croton oil 

g_tt. j. If plethoric venesec¬ 
tion; chloroform inhalation; 
support heart. 

Remarkable recoveries. 

l_j. z, q r >— x h ^ - qj - --- 

< 2 c +• 'Z *° •« £ -5 £>*.*3 Traumatic. 

«g = «2"'22-SS^Sa (Cerebral, 
g ° % c 5 g § § w £ c-S 2 Meningeal— 
a*. ui_. 0 c Hemorrhage). 

History of an 

injury. Patient 
may recover 

and relapse. 

Signs of head injury. 
May be bloody or se¬ 
rous discharge. Is grad¬ 
ually increasing stupor. 

Both sides may 
show paralysis, 
or one tossed. 

Slow; stertorous. 
Lips inflated on 
one side on ex¬ 
piration. 

Usually high. 

Palsy- 
May be 
to onei 

drawn 

de. 

Pupils unequal 

Apt to be 
strong and 
slow. 

Hot or dry. 




Larly operation for removal 
of blood clot, and if neces¬ 
sary ligation of artery. 

W a? r- * 0 S j*T ^ a> 

Hysterical. 

SS S2 ft«2»^ s2§ Trance. (2) 

Hypnotic. (3) 

Hysteria. (Fe¬ 

males mostly.) 

Consciousness 
suddenly lost. 
Hypnotized._ 

Developed suddenly. 
Coma alternates with 
hysterical delirium. 


No stertori may 
be weak. 

1 

Usually lowered. 

! 

(2) E* 

sionlesi 

(3) Uel 

>res- 

dilike. 

Natural. Sensitive 
to light. 

1-eeble, and 
frequent. 

Flushed and 
hot. (2) Skin 
cold. (3) Limbs 
remain as 
placed. 

No vomiting. 
No diarrhoea. 

No odor. 

Incontinence. 

Cold applications. Give Aronv 
Spt. Ammon. 

(2) Watch; nourish. 

(3) Intesrupt. 































































































































































































































































TRANSFUSION —Continued 


tions in which there is destruction of or serious 
damage to red blood corpuscles or other material 
change in the character of the blood. 

Secondary anemia from such intoxications as 
those of arsenic, lead, mercury and other inorganic 
poisons, from such organic poisons as the toxins 
of various fevers, and from certain autogenous 
poisons produced by such chronic affections as 
jaundice, nephritis, etc., may be materially improved 
by direct transfusion. 

Severe anemia, the result of a prolonged hemor¬ 
rhage in hemophilia, is best relieved by a certain 
form of blood transfusion, i.e., by the introduction 
of blood through a needle inserted through the skin 
directly into a vein; the ordinary direct transfusion 
methods are unsafe in this condition, owing to the 
danger of fatal hemorrhage from the requisite in¬ 
cision. 

In all of the transfusion methods a perfect asepsis 
should be maintained. The matter of the source 
of the blood in blood transfusion is important: the 
donor, the person giving the blood, shuld not be 
stout, nor over forty years of age, and free from 
disease. The W’assermann, hemolytic and agglutina¬ 
tion tests* should be employed upon both donor and 
donee, unless the case is urgent. In both, the blood 
pressure, the blood count, the hemoglobin and the 
coagulation tests should be applied, the urine should 
be carefully analyzed and the pulse rate and the 
cardiac condition determined, all previous to the 
transfusion; the findings in these will influence the 
acceptance or the rejection of a prospective donor 
and serve as a guide in meeting the various needs 
of the donee. Fatal introduction of clot or of air 
into the blood sometimes occurs in blood transfu¬ 
sions, the result of faulty technic. The transfusion- 
valve method devised by Dr. George I. Miller, of 
Brooklyn, N. Y., seems to eliminate the probability 
if not the possibility of such occurrences; it is 
claimed that this method “will enable one to per¬ 
form transfusion, after a little practice, with ease, 
accuracy and safety.” 

* If not of the same “group” as that of the patient it may prove 
effective if not actually harmful. 


338 


MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


HINTS ON BRAIN AND HEART POISONS 

BRAIN. 

There are three principal groups of poisons affecting the 
brain: 

A. The Opium group, the predominant feature of which is 

the production of sleep. 

B. The Belladonna group, which produces illusions and de¬ 

lirium. 

C. The Alcohol group, which produces excitation and exhila¬ 

ration, followed by delirium, and incoordination or sleep. 

The Opium group causes dizziness, disturbed vision, ringing 
in the ears, contracted pupils (perhaps to a pin point and but 
slightly affected by light), headache, mental confusion, stupor. 

Post Mortem find effusion of serum beneath membranes and 
into ventricles. Brain sinuses and veins filled with blood. 

. The Belladonna group causes indistinct vision, color-illu¬ 
sions and form-illusions, excitement, delirium, thirst and dry¬ 
ness of mouth, dilated pupils, perhaps convulsions, paralysis, 
coma. Among these are Belladonna, Stramonium, Hyoscin, 
Scopolamin, etc. 

The Alcohol group causes rapid and forceful heart action, 
mental excitement and confusion, then diminished muscular 
action, disturbed coordination, hallucinations, weak pulse, 
double vision, stupor, coma. In chronic alcoholism commonly 
there is delirium tremens. 

Post Mortem find brain and its membranes congested, and 
frequently indications of inflammation. The blood is unusually 
fluid and rigor mortis is persistent. 

HEART. 

Poisons acting on the heart cause death by producing more 
or less sudden shock, or depression, associated with faintness 
and collapse. To this group belong Oxalic Acid and the Oxa¬ 
lates, Aconite, certain coal-tar products, Hydrocyanic Acid, 
the cyanides of Potassium and Mercury, Digitalis, Cocain, etc! 



FEEDING IN POISONING 


838a 


PART X* 


FEEDING IN POISONING. 

Various Recuperative Measures in 

Debility 


When a person is poisoned it is important that he 
be given only such foods as are strictly suitable. Cer¬ 
tain foods are harmful in certain poisonings. In some 
poisonings no food should be given by mouth, if at 
all, for some time; and it may be necessary to observe 
some food restrictions until complete recovery occurs. 

The menace to health and to life is serious enough 
ordinarily, in a severe poisoning, to demand one’s best 
efforts, without having also to contend against the 
damaging, perhaps destructive, effects of unsuited 
foods being given. The food supplied should be sup¬ 
portive and reconstructive, energy-producing and tis¬ 
sue-building, fortifying against the shock and other 
serious effects of the poisoning—not an added evil, 
perhaps even an insurmountable, crushing handicap. 
If the mother of a nursing baby be poisoned, it may 
be necessary to discontinue giving the baby her breast 
milk for a time at least; such conditions as the fol¬ 
lowing demand such action: If the mother be so 
severely affected by the poison as to make the nursing 
too great a tax upon her vitality, or, as to seriously 
disturb the baby’s digestion, or to otherwise injuriously 
affect it, or even to menace its well being; also, al¬ 
though the mother does not yet evidence serious effects 
from the poison taken, if the poison be one of those 
known to be excreted through the breast milk and the 
dose taken be large enough to be deemed dangerous, 
the feeding of the mother’s milk to the baby should 





3383 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


be promptly suspended. In suspending the feeding of 
the breast milk of the mother, or in providing for a de¬ 
ficiency in its quantity or quality, resort must be had 
to the milk of a wet nurse, or to some kind of arti¬ 
ficial feeding, such as a modified cow’s milk, or to some 
other substitute for human milk. Suitable adapta¬ 
tion of the artificial feeding, as of cow’s milk, to a 
baby, is a very difficult matter; and it is considered by 
many physicians the greatest problem in medical prac¬ 
tice, inasmuch as there is no true substitute for the 
milk of the human mother, and each mother and her 
baby commonly have their associated peculiarities. 

Babies differ greatly at the same age, in condition 
as well as in adaptability to formulae of cow’s milk, 
etc.; they differ also in sensitiveness to the various 
sugars, cereals, vegetable and animal proteins, fruit 
juices, etc. Consequently authorities differ more or 
less widely as to what constitute suitable formulae for 
the feeding of cow’s milk to infants (by bottle or 
otherwise) at the various ages; also as to what aux¬ 
iliary foods—such as cereals, toast, crackers, bread, 
vegetables or their juices (potato, carrot, spinach, pea, 
asparagus tips, etc.), egg, etc.—may best be given, and 
at what age the feeding of them may wisely be in¬ 
augurated. 

Because of the difficulties commonly encountered in 
providing suitable bottle-feedings, and other kinds of 
food for babies, the author has incorporated in this 
chapter suggestions on such feedings and foods. It 
may be of interest to know that these suggestions are 
based upon his personal experience in 38 years of 
medical practice, his advisory service at Baby Health 
Stations of the Bureau of Child Hygiene of the De¬ 
partment of Health of the City of New York, his 
nursery service, and upon a review, by him, of the 
opinions and the methods, in such matters, of many of 
the leading American experts on infant feeding and the 
care and treatment of children. (See section on Infant 
Feeding.) 


FEEDING IN POISONING 


338c 


Feeding in Shock from Poisoning. —If not pro¬ 
hibited by the condition of some part of the alimentary 
canal—as of the stomach, from the severe effects of a 
highly irritant or corrosive poison, or of the stomach 
or intestine or both from an existing highly fermenta¬ 
tive or putrefactive condition, or if not prevented by 
local or other blood conditions—such foods as the 
following may well be given by mouth; Milk; fluid, 
highly nutritious broths; strong meat soup (con¬ 
somme) ; or albumin water; gruels; coffee, tea, 
cocoa or other beverages (hot), or stimulants; etc. 
When not proper by mouth, such foods may be given 
as nutrient enemata, when suitably prepared. (See 
Feeding (Rectal) in Rabies.) 

Feeding in Acute Gastritis (Especially that caused 
by an irritant or corrosive poison). —If there be cor¬ 
rosion or severe irritation of the upper part of the ali¬ 
mentary canal do not feed by mouth—it is not likely to 
digest but to irritate and to poison more instead. No 
food should be given by mouth for a day or two ex¬ 
cept possibly diluted or peptonized milk. Then weak 
tea, albumin, strained rice, barley, or oatmeal water; 
thin, milk and egg custard. If readily taken, feed by 
nutrient enemata as outlined in section on Feeding in 
Poisoning by Rabic Virus. Milk and water with soft 
bread in it. When the severe symptoms are much re¬ 
duced, give with or without soft bread in it; try some 
yolk of egg, barley or oatmeal gruel, rice soup, soft 
egg, raw oysters, soft egg, gruel, zwieback, farina, 
oatmeal, custard, krumbles, cornflakes, etc., given 
gradually more and more as acute condition subsides. 

Drink freely of water. Saline and aperient waters 
maye be well borne, try them cautiously, except in pois¬ 
oning by mercury or in a nephritis or edema. 

Feeding in Poisoning by Rabic Virus. —During 
the early symptoms of rabic poisoning, soft, semi-fluid 
food may be quite readily taken—such food as a thick 
soup of chicken, lamb, mutton, beef or a broth from a 
concentrated meat extract; also milk with or without 


838</ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


a cereal, custard, jellies, jello, etc., or a malt extract. 
If swallowing is painful or difficult, it may be necessary 
to apply a 4 per cent cocain, procain, or similar local 
anesthetic solution to the throat to facilitate the process ; 
if swallowing still be difficult or cause severe general 
convulsions, it may be necessary to give inhalations of 
chloroform to the extent of a primary anesthesia, or 
even to feed by stomach tube or catheter introduced 
into the stomach, with or without anesthesia. If rigid¬ 
ity of the jaws should interfere with the introduction 
of the tube or catheter and a front or side tooth be 
absent, a soft catheter may be passed through such 
opening, aided by swallowing motions, or by a weak 
local anesthetic spray; or the tube may be passed 
through the nostril if necessary. Through the catheter, 
with small funnel connected, thin, fluid foods of 
the same general character may be given. In feed¬ 
ing by catheter larger quantities of food may be given 
usually, but at longer intervals, even a pint of thin 
gruel, predigested milk, panopeptone, liquid pepton- 
oids, soup or broth, etc. 

When it seems necessary to resort to rectal feeding 
the rectum should be well cleansed before introducing 
the food. Flush it with at least a quart of warm soap¬ 
suds (castile or ivory soap) with half a level teaspoon¬ 
ful of table salt to the pint of fluid, or twice as much 
bicarbonate of soda and salt to the quart. The patient 
should be on the left side with the hips on a pillow 
and the shoulder low. If there be much mucus or the 
rectum prove irritable, put in one-half to one teaspoon¬ 
ful of saturated solution of boric acid to the quart of 
flushing fluid. The rectal alimentation (nutrient 
enema) should be given through a rectal tube or 
through a flexible depressed-eye or “velvet-eyed,” long, 
rubber catheter (size 12 to 14 for a child; No. 15 to 23 
for an adult.) The tube should not be so flexible as to 
bend easily, nor to double back upon itself after in¬ 
sertion, nor so stiff as to damage the rectal wall should 
it catch in a fold of it. It should be dipped in warmed 
vaseline or in sweet oil and gently inserted to the 


FEEDING IN POISONING 


338<? 


sigmoid flexure, about 3 to 10 inches for children, 
according to age and size, and 12 to 24 inches for 
adults. It is important that the tube should be car¬ 
ried well up the rectal canal that the nutrient material 
may be retained more easily, and that it cover consid¬ 
erable absorbing surface; also, that, being delivered 
in the upper part of the rectum, it be taken up by 
tributaries of the portal vein and thus be carried di¬ 
rectly to the liver for the highly important assimilative 
processes which occur there; whereas, if the nutrient 
material be delivered at the lower part of the rectum 
and absorbed there, it is diverted from the course to 
the liver and goes directly to the heart through the 
vena cava. A glass or hard rubber funnel or a perco¬ 
lator-like wall-tank or can, large enough to readily con¬ 
tain all of the food at one time, if desired, should be 
attached to the tube inserted into the rectum. It is 
better than a fountain syringe and than one with a 
piston. The whole apparatus should be so managed 
that no air enters the bowel with the nutrient enemia. 
A little of the fluid should be allowed to run 
from the tip of the tube, (after filling it, and a 
part of the funnel, with the fluid), in order to exclude 
all air from the tube, which should then be pinched 
tightly, low down, and inserted. That which flows out 
may be poured into the funnel so as not to be wasted. 
For a young baby the tube should be inserted 3 to 4 
inches; for an older child, 6 to 10 inches, ordinarily 
for an adult about 18 inches. The funnel bottom 
should be held only 4 to 8 inches above the rectum 
for a baby, 6 to 10 inches for an older child and Y to 2 
feet for an adult. In introducing the nutrient enema or 
food, the patient should lie on the left side, (or in 
Sim’s position) with knees drawn up, and the hip on 
a pillow; the left shoulder should be low but the head 
may be on a low pillow. Valuable aid in the retention 
may be had, by applying and pressing a wad of cotton 
or clean waste or several folds of gauze about the 
size of a walnut, against the anus, and then holding 
it there 20 or 30 minutes, or applying a towel or napkin 


338/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


like a baby’s napkin. By turning the patient on the 
back or upon the right side, as soon as all of the fluid 
has been introduced, and keeping in that position for 
a time, retention is favored. It may be necessary to 
elevate the hips or hip a little more. Quietly diverting 
the patient’s mind from the stress of retention to in¬ 
teresting, not too amusing, matters, may help. 

In case of great rectal intolerance, inject into the 
rectum by means of a small syringe, 5 to 10 drops of 
Tincture of Opium or of Tincture of Belladonna in 
half a teaspoonful or more of water, one-half to one 
hour before the nutrient enema is given. It should 
not be used when avoidable, as, although it encourages 
retention by soothing the nerves and reducing 
peristalsis, and also helps prevent general convulsions, 
there is a tendency to depend upon it too much, and 
it also tends to interfere with the absorption of the 
nutrient material. Although the nutrient enemata 
may be retained with great difficulty the first few times 
used, or for the first few days, or even rejected, as a 
rule, by persisting with them, they are soon quite well 
borne. When an intolerance to the enemata develops 
after quite a period of successful use, a period of rest 
from such injections, lasting one or two days if neces¬ 
sary, often will restore local tone and tolerance. It has 
been found that patients may be nourished quite well, 
even six or seven weeks, by the judicious employ¬ 
ment of this nutrition method, without causing a mucus 
diarrhoea or severe or protracted local disturbance. 

Nutrient Enemata. —As enemata, only such starches 
as have been predigested and converted into dextrin and 
maltose or glucose, are likely to be absorbed, even 
in small quantity. Fats and oils, usually, mechan¬ 
ically interfere with absorption, by acting as an 
envelope surrounding the absorbable foods, or by 
coating over the absorbing surface. Even when 
emulsified, saponified or otherwise prepared they 
appear to be of doubtful utility. Food which is not 
readily absorbed is apt to irritate the rectal wall as it is 
nature’s inclination there to remove waste or that which 


FEEDING IN POISONING 


338^- 


irritates. Proteins which have been more or less com¬ 
pletely predigested or pancreatinized, are more absorb¬ 
able than those which have not, but they must be well 
diluted. 

Pancreatin or pancreatic extract, or pepsin, may be 
used in the preparation of beef juice or of milk for 
absorption, but the pepsin is less satisfactory. A good 
way to procure the beef juice is by using a meat 
squeezer upon a round steak which is without fat and 
cut thick; the meat should be seasoned with pepper 
and salt, broiled over a lively fire, cut into two inch 
squares, and squeezed well. This furnishes about half 
a pint of juice for each pound of meat used. Although 
the juice is better when freshly expressed, when cold 
it may be re-warmed by putting its container in hot 
water. It may be pancreatinized in the same way as 
milk. Milk may be pancreatinized by adding a pint 
of fresh milk to four ounces of cold water; to this add 
a tubeful of Fairchild’s Peptonizing Powder (pancre- 
actic extract 5 grains and sodium bicarbonate, 15 
grains) or one to two teaspoonfuls of Parke Davis 
& Co.’s Pancreatic Solution; then stir well. Stand the 
mixture in warm (not hot) water for half an hour. 
Then boil the mixture two or three minutes to stop 
further digestive processes; if the boiling be postponed 
much longer than 30 minutes the protein will be com¬ 
pletely digested—(while not objectionable in peptoniz¬ 
ing for rectal use, it would be for oral administration 
as it makes the mixture more or less intensely bitter). 
After being thus prepared, the mixture may well be 
kept on ice for 6 to 12 hours. 

A mixture of 2 ounces each of beef juice and of 
milk, both pancreatinized, or 4 ounces of pancreatin¬ 
ized milk and the whites of two eggs, either raw or 
pancreatinized, and 2 level teaspoonfuls of milk sugar, 
has proved very serviceable as favored by Dr. W. G. 
Thompson. Also, a mixture of peptonized milk, one- 
half pint, 1 or 2 level tablespoonfuls of milk sugar, 
or of dextrimaltose, and the whites of 1 or 2 eggs, 
raw or pancreatinized, and 1 tablespoonful of malted 


338 h 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


milk makes a good mixture. (Yolk of egg contains 
too much fat to be useful, usually, for such enema.) 

Bovinine, after being pancreatized like milk, may 
be found serviceable as a temporary substitute for the 
foregoing; freshly prepared, nutrient enemata, if given 
per rectum in one ounce doses; Panopeptone (pre¬ 
digested wheat starch and beef), and Liquid Peptonoids 
are predigested preparations which may be similarly 
used. Valentine’s Meat Juice—one ounce said to rep¬ 
resent the condensed essence of nine ounces of natural 
expressed beef juice, and to contain hemaglobin and 
some albumin—is quite often given by mouth in one- 
half to 2 teaspoonful doses in i to 4 tablespoonfuls 
of cold water, wine or cold or warm tea; it may also 
be given per rectum; so may also other, somewhat 
similar, meat preparations. It may be necessary to 
considerably dilute them. They should be introduced 
warm but should not be boiled. 

Another satisfactory mixture is made by beating up 
the whites of 2 eggs and mixing in J4 pint of milk; 
warm to 100 degrees F. and add the contents of a Fair¬ 
child’s peptonizing tube. Stand the mixture in a warm 
place for an hour then place on ice. A portion of this 
may be used as required, with or without 1 ounce of 
starch, strained oatmeal, barley or flour gruel, to each 
4 or 6 ounces of it, as desired. In some conditions 1 or 
2 tablespoonfulls of whisky is added, as in a severe 
debility or slow convalescence, but such is not suitable 
in rabies. 

Malted milk (3 or 4 heaping teaspoonfuls of the 
powder in 6 to 8 ounces of water), adding y 2 level 
teaspoonful of salt and the white of one egg if desired, 
is also used. 

By adding 5 grams of pancreation and the same 
amount of sodium bicarbonate to 8 ounces of a thick 
well cooked gruel of oatmeal, cornmeal, barley, arrow 
root or other farinaceous substance and keeping the 
mixture at ioo°F. for about 10 minutes it becomes 
pancreatinized. By this process the gruel has been 


FEEDING IN POISONING 


338/ 


thinned and made more digestible, the starch having 
been converted into dextrin and a sugar. 

If malt flour (commonly, barley soaked well heated, 
allowed to germinate, dried and ground) one part, and 
oatmeal 6 or 8 parts, be made into a thin porridge, it 
is a conveinent nourishing food for mouth or rectal 
administration. 

Maltine (made from wheat, oats and barley) is rich 
in the vegetable digestant or ferment known as diastase. 
It may be used alone or in raw peptonized milk; or it 
may be added to an equal part of well boiled wheat 
flour or barley flour, which it partly digests, and used 
thus as a convenient food, or added to milk to dilute 
the latter. 

Various malt extracts and malt preparations are 
serviceable foods. 

Mellin’s Food contains (wheat, flour and malt). It 
is dextrinized and quite rich in sugar, but not in fat. 
It is readily added to milk and hot water as a tem¬ 
porary or auxiliary food by mouth or rectum. 

Malted Milk is a preparation of milk with malted 
barley and wheat extracts whose starch has been 
changed into dextrin. It resembles Mellin’s Food, but 
also is of rather low fat content. It is particularly 
serviceable in severe alimentary disturbances and often 
may be used satisfactorily for a time as a substitute 
for breast milk in infant feeding. 

Feeding, in Poisoning by Mercury.—Take milk, 
more or less diluted. Gruels, thin well-done toast, soft 
puddings (without eggs) ; all vegetables except peas, 
beans, raddishes, cabbages. Drink water, postum. Avoid 
tea and coffee. In convalescence, cautiously clear 
broths. Fruits not very sour. Feeding by nutrient 
enemato may be necessary. (See under feeding in 
poisoning by rabic virus). 

Feeding, in Acute Gastritis.—In a gastritis resulting 
from the action of an irritant or corrosive poison, no 
feeding by mouth may be possible for some time— 
rectal feeding only. (See nutrient enemata, under 
feeding in poisoning by rabic virus). 


338/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


When feeding by the mouth can be employed, 
strained barley water, rice water, albumin water, milk 
and water, bread and water (warm), the various gruels 
as improvement ensues; also soft egg, gradually add 
bread and butter, raw oysters, thickened but simple 
broths and soup. Dry cereals plain vebetables, tea and 
coffee, peptonized foods. 

Feeding in Debility.—Give by mouth rich cream 
soups—chicken, lamb, clam or beef broth, with or 
without chopped meat or cereal thickening; fresh fish 
(boiled or broiled), broiled or crisp bacon, boiled tender 
ham, chicken, mutton or beef, lamb chops or cutlets, 
as able: tender, juicy steaks or chipped beef or ham¬ 
burger steak to chew; coddled (8 minutes in standing, 
boiling hot water, or put on in cold water and boiled 
2 minutes), shirred, poached or other soft cooked egg; 
crisp toast, with or without butter, milk or cream; corn- 
bread, graham bread or malted bread, triskets, gluten 
bread, shredded wheat, graham, Wheatsworth or other 
dry crackers or biscuits with or without butter; also 
other crackers or biscuits and rolls that may agree and 
appeal to taste; also tapioca, rice and other cereals as 
corn flakes, krumbles, corn and oat meal, cream of 
wheat, wheatena, etc., as agree. 

Strictly fresh and well cooked vegetables that agree; 
custards, corn starch and bread puddings, junkets, 
calf’s foot jelly, gelatine, cooked (not very acid nor 
sweet) fruits, especially apples, prunes, peaches, pears, 
apricots, figs and dates. As drinks: water, malted 
milk, tea or coffee, Phillips or Epps cocoa, perhaps 
others and chocolate; albuminous drinks panopepton, 
hot or cold milk (easier digested if diluted, or better if 
peptonized; diluted (peptonize judiciously) unfer¬ 
mented grape juice or orange juice. Avoid most other 
foods and drinks until quite convalesced. 

Insomnia or sleeplessness, so often a disturbing ele¬ 
ment in debility, may often be helped by a glass of 
hot (somewhat diluted) milk or malted milk, taken 
shortly before retiring. When able, a short walk at 



FEEDING IN POISONING 


338/6 


bed time, or light calesthenic exercise, may help. 
Sleeping out of doors favors sleep, if not afraid. Take 
a hot sponge or tub bath, with cold, wet cloth on head, 
and followed by application of cool or cold water and 
brisk rubbing; then at once to bed, with head high, 
comfortable garb and bed clothing; wet, cold cloth to 
head, and heat to feet if weather not too warm; then 
by relaxing and composing mind, sleep is encouraged 
or induced without drugs. 

Feeding in Intestinal Auto-intoxication, Alimen¬ 
tary Toxemia; Auto-intoxication, Auto-toxemia- 
(Not true ptomain poisoning, nor spoiled, putrefied, 
etc., meat, fish or milk, etc., poisoning).— In poison¬ 
ing by toxins produced within the body, and while still 
active, diffused through the circulation, instead of be¬ 
ing directly removed in the excreta or neutralized be¬ 
fore being absorbed, the digestive and food absorptive 
functions are more or less seriously interfered with. 
Consequently the vital force so dependent upon these 
functions for its maintenance, is immediately men¬ 
aced. Pending removal or destruction of the toxins, 
or suspension of their production and of their toxic 
effects, the tax upon these functions must be reduced 
to a minimum. Therefore, foods which have been pre¬ 
digested and are highly absorbable and nutritious, and 
not contributory to the toxin nor toxic processes, are 
desirable. (See Pancreatinizing under Nutrient 
Enemata.) 

In the light of present knowledge and commonly ac¬ 
cepted chemical and other determinations and interpre¬ 
tations it seems best to reserve the term Food-Poison¬ 
ing for those poisonings resulting from the ingestion of 
foods already in a state of decomposition or in some 
way poisoned or poisonous before being taken as food. 
Although ptomain poisoning, so-called, commonly is in¬ 
cluded in this definition, doubtless such poisoning may 
be the result of an intestinal putrefactive process, orig¬ 
inating in the alimentary canal, and producing an auto¬ 
intoxication and toxemia strictly alimentary in its 


338/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


origin; hence an intestinal auto-intoxication, rather 
than a true food poisoning, or poisoning by food unfit 
for ordinary human consumption before it was in¬ 
gested. In the food-poisoning class would be placed 
meat, fish, milk, etc., whose proteins were in an unfit 
condition, or of a deleterious character before they 
were ingested. 

Feeding in Fermentation Auto-intoxication.— 

When a severe fermentative condition or the effects of 
such exists in some part of the alimentary canal, car¬ 
bohydrates—starches, sugars, all sweets and their prod¬ 
ucts, are to be avoided or taken very sparingly. Diluted 
or pasteurized milk, custard, soft egg, clear broth and 
various meat juices—hot and free from grease and pre¬ 
ferably, pasteurized—and plain carrots, asparagus, 
string beans, celery, etc., may be given cautiously when 
well borne, albumin water helps, drink water freely, or 
sip hot water or hot weak tea. Eat but little butter. 
Try some yellow corn meal, fish, chicken broths, eggs, 
chopped or scraped beef, boiled ham (sliced very thin), 
chipped or smoked beef (to be well chewed and residue 
discarded) ; oysters (raw, stewed or steamed). Trisket, 
slowly toasted wholewheat bread; shredded wheat bis¬ 
cuit, hominy tapioca, asparagus tips, small peas or 
string beans, or stringless string beans, cooked celery, 
spinach, squash, okra, lettuce, parsnips, etc. Roast 
beef or steak, veal, mutton chop (very tender) ; thin 
crisp fried bacon ; lamb or beef tongue, boiled or roast, 
tender, not fat ham; cautiously; stewed fruit, jello or 
gelatine, custard. Also oranges, prunes, bananas, apples, 
peaches, pears, plums and olives. Buttermilk, but little 
butter. Tea or coffee with a saccharin tablet instead of 
sugar (no cream) ; skimmed milk and water. Aperient 
waters and much water between meals, alone if but little 
atony or loss of tone in bowels. 

Feeding in Putrefaction Auto-intoxication.— 

When a severe putrefactive condition, or the effects of 
such, exists in some part of the alimentary canal, pro¬ 
teins, both animal and vegetable, are to be avoided or 


FEEDING IN POISONING 


338 m 


to be eaten very sparingly at least. Carbohydrates may 
be given cautiously when well borne. Milk, diluted or 
pasteurized, such dry cereals as corn flakes, krumbles, 
puffed rice, well toasted bread, corn muffins, shredded 
wheat biscuits, triskets, graham and arrow root 
crackers, etc. Vegetable soups; strained thin meat- 
soups (cautiously, late in convalescence); asparagus; 
corn, lima, butter and string beans; small tender peas; 
perhaps small onions boiled; small tender beets; lettuce, 
celery, spinach, pumpkin, squash, parsnip, tomato, po¬ 
tato, egg plant, etc. Bacon—crisp snappy (as con¬ 
valescence progresses) ; boiled or broiled fish—as weak 
fish, whiting, flounder, bass, trout—once or twice a 
week only. Most of the cereals—tapioca, sago, mac¬ 
aroni and spaghetti—no cheese, rice, cornmeal, oat¬ 
meal, graham or whole-wheat bread or crackers (crisp) 
—butter very sparingly, (about y 2 ounce daily). Fresh 
fruit (raw and cooked) ; no sugar or cocoa until late 
in convalescence. Drink water freely and aperient 
waters; tea, coffee or cocoa (sparingly; skimmed milk 
and water—not other milk foods and early tender, small 
peas, string beans, asparagus, cooked celery, lettuce, 
tomatoes; strained vegetables soups without potato; 
perhaps a few very crisp potato chips. Crisp zwieback, 
or whole wheat bread slowly toasted and made snappy; 
then wet with hot water if with—(no butter) ; shredded 
wheat biscuit trisket graham crackers (unsweetened 
preferred), arrow-root or wheatworth crackers, aerated 
bread— (soft bread, charged with CO.,;). Boiled ham 
(in latter part of convalescence cautiously) ; crisp 
bacon; broiled or boiled lean chicken; fresh weakfish, 
whitefish, butterfish or flounder—eat chicken and fish 
occasionally, sparingly and very cautiously—mainly in 
latter part of convalescence. Only y 2 ounce of butter 
daily if at all. Drink water freely, also orange juice 
with water; black coffee with one 2-grain saccharin 
tablet (no sugar) ; weak black tea with thin slice of 
lemon. No alcoholics nor ferments. 

In feeding in many or all of the auto-intoxications 
and in food poisonings, even in quite advanced con- 



338 n 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


valescence, only plain foods should be eaten; rich 
highly-seasoned or irritant foods are quite unsuited to 
due recovery processes. One should avoid trying to eat 
a large quantity or great variety of food, eat perhaps a 
little oftener but considerably less each time than 
formerly. Drink water freely, saline waters and the 
true aperients often are beneficial. Each case has its 
mandatory peculiarities, and these will rule and must 
be the real guide, with due observance of variety of 
foods and sufficient of food calories in feeding. 

Feeding in Food Poisonings.—Feed practically on 
the basis of Putrefaction-Auto-intoxication, modifying 
as indications arise. 

In treating any toxemia, or form of blood poisoning, 
the functional activity of the liver should be very care¬ 
fully maintained to insure the benefits of its bacteri¬ 
cidal and eliminative action, 


INFANT FEEDING 

If the mother of a nursing baby be poisoned suddenly, or a 
poisoned condition of her blood develop, it may be necessary 
to provide a wet-nurse for the baby or to resort to artificial 
feeding of it. In either case the frequency in feeding, the 
duration of each feeding, and the general principles to be ob¬ 
served are the same as in nursings by the mother. 

In selecting a wet-nurse it is desirable to secure one between 
twenty and thirty years of age, and who has had more than 
one child (because of the advantage of experience in the suck¬ 
ling and the general care of such), and whose nursing baby is 
about the same age as the one to be wet-nursed; however, the 
wet-nurse whose baby is less than six months old can, as a 
rule, properly suckle one at any age under that, although less 
difference between the ages is desirable. Usually a change 
from one wet-nurse to another is not harmful to a baby, and 
sometimes several wet nurses must be tried before one is 
found whose breast milk agrees. A woman of good develop¬ 
ment, rather broad-shouldered, of a gentle and happy dispo¬ 
sition, rather than one who is temperamental, nervous, hys¬ 
terical or neurasthenic, is much to be preferred; the char¬ 
acter of the milk secreted may be considerably influenced by 
a nervous instability. The breasts of the wet-nurse in prospect 
should be examined to determine the quantity of milk present. 



INFANT FEEPING 


338 <? 


By light, but firm, manipulation of the breasts, well behind the 
nipples, using both hands on one breast at a time, the size and 
functional activity of their glands may be determined. By 
firmly but gently taking hold of one breast with both hands 
well behind the nipples, and expressing outward (as in empty¬ 
ing an infant syringe with one hand) the quantity and freedom 
of flow of the milk may be determined; it should spurt out 
with considerable force and in several streams, if the pressure 
is maintained for about half a minute. If it be difficult to 
express it without much massaging or pumping of the breast, 
such wet-nurse is ill-suited to the nursing of a premature, 
marasmic, or otherwise enfeebled or ill-nourished baby. Such 
babies require a plentiful supply of milk, the milk flowing with¬ 
out much sucking effort. In the normal breast a manual ex¬ 
pressing should not cause pain. Drawing the milk by a thumb 
and finger explusion process or by a stripping process, to feed 
the baby or to relieve the breast of over supply, is favored by 
some, and others use a breast pump. 

The lungs of the wet-nurse should be examined to determine 
that she is free from tuberculosis; the skin and throat ex¬ 
amined and the blood tested by the Wasserman test, to deter¬ 
mine she is free from syphilis; her eyes examined to be sure 
she has no trachoma; her nipples inspected to determine the 
absence of fissures, also that they are sufficiently prominent 
to insure a good seizure in the nursing. The vagmal and 
urethral secretions should be tested to determine the absence 
of gonorrhea and of puss cells. By exercising these precautions 
the baby should be quite well protected against a blood poison¬ 
ing or infection by the wet-nurse. 

The baby of the wet-nurse should be inspected to determine 
that it is well nourished by the mother, and appears to be 
free from conveyable disease. Also that the milk of the mother 
seems to be sufficient to supply both babies adequately. If the 
wet-nurse does not directly nurse the alien or wet-nurse baby, 
but sends her milk to be taken from a bottle or spoon, deter¬ 
mine that her milk is or will be properly drawn, received in a 
clean container, carried and kept for the purpose. The milk 
for the alien baby should be expressed first from one of the 
wet-nurse’s breasts, then her own baby should empty that 
breast and draw some from the other breast it necessary. At 
the next feeding the same course should be pursued beginning 
with the breast only partly emptied. If the milk of the wet- 
nurse is to be sent to the alien baby, it should be put on ice 
when received until time to feed, then warmed to blood heat 
and given. 

The writer has been much gratified by results obtained in 
his Health Stations’ work by following some of the methods 
advised by the celebrated Dr. L. Emmett Holt of New York. 
Some of his points are worthy of emphasis, such as: 


338/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


‘'A simple method of calculating a milk formula for an 
average healthy infant on the basis of caloric requirements is 
to start with the daily amount of protein of cow’s milk needed. 
This by experience has been found to be furnished in approxi- 


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INFANT FEEDING 


338q 


mately \ l / 2 ounces of milk for each pound of body weight. 
An infant weighing 10 pounds will thus require 15 ounces of 
milk. If his caloric needs be calculated at 45 per pound they 
will be 450 calories. Of this there will be furnished in the 
milk (20 calories per ounce) 300 calories, leaving 150 to be 
made up by carbohydrates—sugar or starch. One ounce of 
sugar will add 120 calories; or 1*4 ounces, 150 calories. This 
will give the food value for a day. There is still to be deter¬ 
mined the amount of diluent which will depend upon the in¬ 
fant’s daily need of fluid. This has been shown to be about 
3 ounces for each pound of body weight in the early months, 
and 2 ounces for each pound in the later months; i. e., for a 
10-pound infant it will be 30 ounces a day. There will need to 
be added, therefore, 15 ounces of water. The formula will 
then be: 

15 ounces milk, giving 300 calories 
1% “ sugar, giving 150 calories 

15 “ water 

The 30 ounces of food could be divided into seven feedings 
of 4/4 ounces each, or into five feedings of 6 ounces each 
according to circumstances. The approximate percentage com¬ 
position of the formula, using 4 per cent, milk, would be: fat, 
2.00; sugar, 6.00; protein, 1.75. 

Before this top-milk is removed the milk should stand in the 
bottle at least 4 hours, and the top-milk should be carefully 
removed with a milk dipper, not poured off.” 


SCHEDULE FOR HEALTHY INFANTS DURING THE 

FIRST YEAR 


Age 

Interval 

Between 

Feedings 

Night 

Feeding*. 

after 

6 p.m. 

Feedings 
in 24 
Hours 

Quantity 
for one 
Feeding 
Ounces 

Quantity 
for 24 
Hours 
Ounces 

2nd to 7th day. . . . 

3 

2 

7 

1 -2 

7 -14 

2nd, 3rd and 4th 
weeks . 

3 

2 

7 

2J4-4J4 

18 -32 

2nd and 3rd months 

3 

2 

7 

3^-5 

24 -35 

4th and 5th months 

4 

1 

5 

6 -7 

30 -35 

6th, 7th and 8th 
months . 

4 

1 

5 

6 y 2 -7V2 

ny 2 -z7y 2 

9th and 10th months 

4 

1 

5 > 

7 -8 

35 -40 

11th and 12th months 

4 

1 

5 1 

8 -9 

40 -45 


“A schedule like the following indicates the needs of a healthy 
infant of average size, weight and activity. But no schedule 
can be closely followed with any given child. One cannot con¬ 
clude because an infant is six weeks old he is able to digest a 
certain amount of food and a certain other amount because he 
is six months old. To attempt to follow any schedule too 
closely is to violate the fundamental principle of intelligent 

















338? 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


feeding, which is to adapt the food to the child’s requirements 
and powers of digestion at the time. Because these figures 
represent averages they form a useful basis for feeding healthy 
children. 


Age 

Average 

Caloric 

Requirements 

Furnished in 

1 month . 

400 

7 feedings 4J4 oz. of No. Ill 

2 months . 

500 

7 feedings 4J4 oz. of No. IV 

3 months . 

560 

5 feedings 7 oz. of No. V 

6 months . 

640 

5 feedings 7J4 oz. of No. VIII 

9 months . 

740 

5 feedings 7 Y\ oz. of No. IX 


How and Where to Begin—With all young infants, even 
those having presumably normal digestion, it is desirable to 
begin with a weaker food than would be indicated by their 
caloric requirements, and gradually increase both the strength 
and quantity according to the child’s digestion. With small or 
feeble infants still weaker formulas should be used and the 
increase made more slowly. 

For a healthy child with normal digestion who has previously 
had no cow’s milk one should begin with a lower formula than 
would usually be given to a healthy child of his size and age, 
but may increase the strength and quantity of the food more 
rapidly than with a stronger infant. 

A stationary weight for a week or two, or even a loss of a 
few ounces, is of no importance, provided the change in diet 
can be effected without disturbing digestion; for as soon as a 
child becomes accustomed to cow’s milk the strength can be 
increased and progress is assured. Nothing is easier than to 
disturb the digestion in the beginning by the use of too strong 
food.” 


Prof. Roger H. Dennett, Professor of Diseases of Children 
and Director of the Department in the New York Post Gradu¬ 
ate Medical School, etc., in treating on the bottle feeding of 
babies, in his books, very properly calls it “the intricate sub¬ 
ject of infant feeding.” He further says: “Infant feeding is 
a science, not guess work;” and that “experimentation may 
prove disastrous.” “Physicians of large experience will readily 
subscribe to these sentiments. 

The writer has found Dr. Dennett’s methods and personal 
suggestions, and the methods of Dr. Louis Fitscher, of the 
Willard Parker, Riverside and other hospitals of New York 















INFANT FEEDING 


33 8s 


City, of great service in his private practice and advising 
mothers and directing the feeding of very many babies, in the 
writer's clinical service in the Bureau of Child Hygiene of the 
Department of Health of the City of New York, etc. He has 
also found the practical ideas of Dr. S. Josephine Baker, Di¬ 
rector of the Bureau of Child Hygiene of the Department of 
Health of the City of New York, very helpful. 


CALORIES 


Dr. Dennett claims regarding the requirements of bottle-fed 
infants that: 

The fat infant over four months of age needs forty to fifty 
calories per pound per day. The moderately thin infant over 
four months of age or the average infant under four months 
needs fifty to fifty-five calories per pound per day. 

The emaciated infant of any age needs sixty to sixty-five 
calories per pound per day. 


STOMACH CAPACITY 


At 5 months, 5^2 ounces. 
At 6 months, 6 ounces. 

At 9 months, 7 l / 2 ounces. 


At birth, 1 ounce. 

At 1 month, 2 l / 2 ounces. 
At 2 months, 3^2 ounces. 


At 3 months, 4 to 4^2 ounces. At 1 year, 9 ounces. 

If the baby is quiet, usually (crying only about feeding time), 
gains steadily and proportionately in weight, with well digested 
stools and no vomiting, or but little (and that not sour) the 
food is agreeing with it. If there be a little vomiting immedi¬ 
ately or very shortly after feeding it is probable the quantity 
given is too great, or the baby nurses too fast. The quantity 
given should be reduced; or the food given for about 5 min¬ 
utes, and then a 5 minutes’ interval introduced during which 
the baby should be placed with the face over the shoulder and 
gently patted to belch up any gas present in the stomach ; then 
the food given again for 10 or 15 minutes with or without an¬ 
other adjusting interval. The milk mixture is made more di¬ 
gestible by heating for 2 or 3 minutes. 

Boil the milk or rather bringing it to a boil and then by re¬ 
ducing the heat (such as turning gas low), allowing it to 
merely simmer for 3 minutes. Moving it from over the fire and 
stirring it for 5 minutes, thus preventing a scum forming. 
Small soft curds being formed instead of large hard ones and 
vomiting often prevented by feeding the milk thus: 

Dr. Dennett gives the following approximate analysis of 


338/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Dryco (a dry milk which serves well as a temporary food in 
malnutrition, indigestion, etc.) : 

At first it should usually be fed Ya to Y 2 strength only, at 


first. 

1 ounce by weight = 127 calories. 

8 level tablespoonfuls = 1 ounce. 

1 level tablespoonful = 16 calories. 

Per Cent 

Fat .12 

Lactose .44 

Protein .34 

Salts . 7 

Moisture . 3 


Given 1 part to 8 by weight.100 

With the larger quantities of dry milk the urine is apt to 
become ammoniacal and by increasing the calories with starch 
and sugar this excessive output in the urine can be avoided. 

Dr. Dennett declares that during the process of drying the 
milk is important the change which takes place in the case. 
The heat and the loss of water separates almost instantaneously 
the casein into minute particles which remain suspended in 
this finely divided state when water is later added for feeding 
purposes. In the stomach these separate particles do not unite 
to form large masses or curds such as are found when fresh 
cow’s milk is acted upon by the gastric juice. He states also 
that these separate particles, although they become swollen, 
do not unite to from large masses or curds, such as are found 
when fresh cow’s milk is acted upon by the gastric juice and 
are more easily digested in stomach and in the intestines and 
are digested much more readily than the large curds of fresh 
cow’s milk or even the small curds of boiled milk. The analysis 
stated by Dr. Dennett also shows to what he calls attention, 
i. e., that the Dryco contains a low fat and a larger per cent of 
free fatty acid than does fresh cow’s milk; and that: “These 
fatty acids react with the alkaline carbonates to form soaps 
and the soaps in turn form an emulsion which assists in the 
digestion of the fats. He calls attention to the fact that when 
the Dryco is used alone mixed with water 1 part to 8 by 
weight (one level tablespoonful to one ounce of water) it gives 
a mixture containing about 5^2 per cent lactose, V /2 per cent 
fat and a little over 4 per cent protein; and, that “This high 
protein content makes it advisable to add sugar or gruels or 
both to the feedings of older infants, after the digestive dis¬ 
turbances have been controlled, but not usually until 4 or 5 
ounces (30 to 40) tablespoonfuls of the dry milk product are 
consumed daily.” 








INFANT FEEDING 


338 u 


Dr. Dennett says: “The food must be made fresh at each 
feeding by dissolving the proper quantity of the dry milk 
powder in the proper quantity of hot water. In order to 
furnish 50 calories per pound per day give 3 tablespoonfuls, 
leveled with a knife, of dry milk for every pound of the body 
weight, since a tablespoonful has 16 calories. Only very poorly 
nourished infants need as many as 50 calories per pound of dry 
milk. Well-nourished or fat babies gain progressively on 40 
calories per pound per day (or ever less) which can be fur¬ 
nished in 2 Yz tablespoonfuls for each pound of the body weight. 

The maximum strength of the food is one tablespoonful to 
the ounce of water, weaker solutions always being used at first. 

Begin with one tablespoonful (*4 of an ounce by weight) 
in 2 to 4 ounces of water, according to the age and size of the 
infant. In 24 hours 2 tablespoonfuls to each feeding may be 
used and a day or two later 3 tablespoonfuls, and so on until 
the caloric requirements are fulfilled. An infant of average 
size and weight may have at each feeding one or two more 
ounces of food than the number of months of its age, with a 
minimum quantity of 3 ounces and a maximum of eight ounces. 
Undersized or vomiting infants must have less." 

“Begin orange juice in all kinds of bottle feedings at 6 
weeks old to eliminate possibility of scurvy.”—Dr. Dennet. 
“Therefore, all of my cases are put on orange juice after 2 or 3 
weeks.” He begins on cases of simple intestinal indigestion 
with a mixture of about x /z milk and 2 /z water boiled. He uses 
boiled feedings more or less for months even from birth 
through the bottle period. (Scum on top of boiled milk = fat 
and protein.) Crozer and Griffith give the following as the 
approximately gain in weight, by a baby during the first year: 
The first month, 7 ounces a week; third and fourth month. 5 Yi 
ounces a week; fifth and sixth month, A 2 /z ounces a week; dur¬ 
ing the remainder of the year ounces a week. Some pedi¬ 
atrists anticipate considerable less average gain, at various 
periods, than in above, while others look for more. The aver¬ 
age gain seems to be about that indicated in the feeding chart 
arranged by the author. 

Vegetables and cereals may be added gradually and care¬ 
fully to a baby’s diet usually at about 8 months as an introduc¬ 
tion to table-feeding. A new food of a mixture (soft) of 
a meat substance, dried milk and a prepared cereal is being 
found very helpful in malnutrition cases (infants) and prob¬ 
ably will soon be marketed. There is an increasing tendency to 
feed babies of all ages only once in 4 hours. It seems to pro¬ 
duce the best results. 


338t/ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


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DRY MILKS 


Dry milks are used for temporary digestive disturbances, for conveni¬ 
ence in traveling, etc. Among such dry milks are Dryco, Mammala, etc. To 
furnish 50 calories per pound per day of Dryco give three tablespoonfuls 
(level) for every pound of the body weight of a baby. One tablespoonful 
has 16 calories. Hence a 7-lb infant requires—7 x 50 calories = equals 
—350 calories (16 calories per tablespoonful — 21 + tablespoonfuls in 24 
hours). Mix one tablespoonful to water 1 ounce = 1 to 8 by weight = 
mixture of S l / 2 % lactose, \ l / 2 % fat and + 4% of protein. Indigestive 
disturbance or food injury begin low—one tablespoonful Dryco in 2 to 4 
ozs. of water according to age and size of infant. It must be made fresh 
for each feeding. 8 level tablespoonfuls Dryco = 1 oz., 1 oz. gg 127 
calories. 8 level tablespoonfuls Dryco = l /s oz. or 16 calories. 

































INFANT FEEDING 


338 w 


[The producers of Dryco have recommended the following 
in the use of Dryco: 



FEEDING 

TABLE FOR 

THE USE 

OF DRYCO 


Weight 

Amount 

Amount 

Number 

Intervals 

Total 

of baby 

of Dryco 

water each 

feedings 

of 

Calories 

in 

each 

feeding 

per day 

feeding 

per 

pounds 

feeding 
level tbsp. 

ounces 

day 



5 

2 

2/4 

7 

3 hours 

224 

6 

2^ 

3 

7 

3 “ 

280 

7 

3 

3/4 

7 

3 “ 

336 

8 

3 

4 

7 

3 “ 

336 

9 

3/4 

4^ 

7 

3 “ 

392 

10 

4 

5 

7 

3 “ 

448 

11 

4 

5 

7 

3 “ 

448 

12 

5 

6 

6 

3 “ 

480 

13 

S'/2 

6 y 2 

6 

3 “ 

528 

14 

6 

7 

6 

3 “ 

576 

IS 

6J4 

7}4 

6 

3 “ 

624 

16 

8 

8 

5 

4 “ 

640 

17 

8 

8 

5 

4 “ 

640 

18 

8 

8 

S 

4 “ 

640 


The Number of Feedinrs to be Given 
in a Day 

For babies up to 12 pounds—7 feedings. 

A.M. A.M. M P.M. P.M. P.M. A.M. 
6 9 12 3 6 10 2 

For babies 12-16 pounds—6 feedings: 
A.M. A.M. M P.M. P.M. P.M. 

6 9 12 3 6 10 

For babies above 16 pounds—5 feedings: 
A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. 

6 10 2 6 10 


1 oz. by weight—127 calories 
8 level tablespoonfuls (leveled 
with a knife)—1 oz. by 
weight 

1 level tablespoonful (leveled 
with a knife)—16 calories 
The simplest general rule is 
to give 2 y 2 level tablespoon¬ 
fuls per day for each pound 
of the infant’s, weight. Dis¬ 
solve in one more ounce of 
water than there are table¬ 
spoonfuls of DRYCO per 
feeding. 


At 18 pounds, use barley gruel as dilutant and add sugar. Barley gruel 
may be made with 2 level tablespoonfuls of barley flour to the pint of 
water, boiled for 20 minutes, strained, and salted to taste. Cook enough 
barley for the full 24 hours and when mixing the food, dissolve the 

DRYCO in hot water, adding the barley gruel last. At first use 1 oz. 

of barley gruel to 7 ozs. of water and DRYCO, then 2 ozs. of barley 
gruel to 6 ozs. of water and DRYCO up to 4 ozs. of barley gruel to 
4 oz. of the water and DRYCO mixture. Begin with one-half tea¬ 

spoonful of sugar in alternate bottles and gradually increase to one level 
teaspoonful to each bottle. 

Over 18-20 pounds feed well cooked cereals in addition to bottle 

feedings. 


CONSTIPATION—The treatment of constipation depends on the cause. 
One of the most frequent causes when DRYCO is used is underfeeding. 
Be sure that you are using 2}4 level tablespoonfuls of DRYCO per day 
for every pound of the baby’s weight, as shown in the feeding table. 

Another cause of constipation is. insufficient fluids. Give at each^ feed¬ 
ing at least one more ounce of water than the months of the baby’s age 
up to a maximum of 8 ozs. at 7 months. During the first 2 months 7 
feedings of 3 to 4 ozs. are necessary. If these conditions are being 
fulfilled and the stools are constipated granulated (cane) sugar or Dextri- 
Maltose No. 3, may be given as much as a level teaspoonful in each 
feeding. Orange juice may be given once or twice a day an hour before 
feeding, beginning with a teaspoonful and increasing a teaspoonful every 
3 to 4 days until the juice of a full orange is given daily. 


PROTOLAC 

Fermentative diarrhea with frequent watery, acid stools, which often 
excoriate the buttocks, calls for a non-fermentative or protein food. This 
is best given in the form of fat free milk and Protolas so that the 
diarrhea may be controlled before starting DRYCO. 

Mix 2 packages of Protolac of 10 grams each in 16 ozs. of fat free 


838* 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


milk, boil this actively together for 10 minutes, then add 1 pint of cold 
water and bring to the boiling point again. Give the proper amount at 
the proper intervals for the age and weight as indicated in the table. 

After the stools have become good and firm change to DRYCO, using 
it as indicated above. 

The author has found Mead’s Dextri-Maltose of very great 
service as a carbohydrate and food in the feeding of infants. 
The company that produce the same recommend the following 
methods in its use. 

In intestenal disturbances or malnutrition they suggest the 
below stated measures: 


FEEDING TABLE NO. 1 

Feeding Mixtures Suitable for the Average Well Baby 


Baby’s 

Ak r o 

in 

Months 


1 

1 

1 

1 


2 

2 

2 

2 


3 

3 

3 

3 


4 

4 

4 


5 

5 

5 


6 

6 

6 

6 


7-8-9 


10 - 11-12 


Weight 

Baby, 

Pounds 


7 

8 
9 

10 


8 

9 

10 

11 


10 

11 

12 

13 


12 

13 

14 


13 

14 

15 


13 

14 

15 

16 


14 

15 

16 

17 

18 
19 


20 

21 

22 

23 

24 


Amount 

Cow’s 

Milk, 

Ounces 


10 

12 

14 

16 


12 

14 

16 

18 


16 

18 

20 

22 


20 

22 

24 


22 

24 

26 


22 

24 

26 

28 


24 

26 

28 

30 

32 

34 


36 

38 

40 

40 

40 


Amount 

Boiled 

Water, 

Ounces 


11 

16 

14 

12 


16 

14 

12 

14 


12 

14 

15 
13 


16 

14 

12 


11 

11 

9 


13 

11 

9 

12 


16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 


4 

2 

0 

0 

0 


1 >evel 
Table¬ 
spoonfuls 
Dextri- 
Maltose 


4 

6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

6 

6 

6 

6 


6 

6 

4 

4 

4 


Amount 
of Each 
Feeding 
Ounces 


3 

4 
4 
4 


4 

4 

4 

4 y 2 


4 

4 '/* 

5 
5 


6 

6 

6 


6 y 3 

7 

7 


7 

7 

7 

8 


8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 


8 

8 

8 

8 

8 


Number 

Feedings 

in 

24 hours 


7 

7 

7 

7 


7 

7 

7 

7 


7 

7 

7 

7 


6 

6 

6 


5 

5 

5 


5 

5 

5 

5 


5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 


5 

5 

5 


NOTE—When first starting a feeding of Dextri-Maltose, cow’s milk 
and water for infants of any age, use 4 level tablespoonfuls Dextri- 
Maltose No. 1 in the feeding mixture. Then gradually increase the 
Dextri-Maltose to 6 level tablespoonfuls. Give plenty of cooled boiled 
water between feedings. In ordinary feeding cases use Dextri-Maltose 
No. 1; in constipated cases use Dextri-Maltose No. 3. 







































































INFANT FEEDING 


338 )' 


HOURS TO FEED 

10 TiuAs per day—6, 8, 10 12 A. M.; 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 P. M.; 2 A. M. 

8 Time? per day—6, 8:30, 11 A. M.; 1:30, 4, 6:30, 9 P. M.; 2 A. M. 

7 Times per day—6, 9, 12 A. M.; 3, 6, 9 P. M.; 2 A. M. 

6 Times per day—6, 9, 12 A. M.; 3, 6, 9 P. M. 

5 Times per day—6, 10 A. M.; 2, 6, 10 P. M. 


INTESTINAL. IN DIGESTION. DIARRHOEAS 

When baby is having Loose, Green or Yellowish Stools, containing 
mucus or curds, immediately omit Dextri-Maltose and boil the milk and 
water mixture 2 minutes. Then cool to blood heat and feed. As stools 
become normal, gradually add the Dcxtri-Maltose to the feeding until 
the prescribed quantity for well babies is reached. 

In the condition described above, but where the baby is having a 
temperature (infectious dirrhoeas), give a cathartic followed by a diet 
of Barley Water, prepared from Mead’s Barley Flour (without milk) 
for 12 hours. After 12 hours, omit the Barley water and feed milk 
and water boiled together for 2 minutes, without Dextri-Maltose, until 
the stools become normal; then gradually add the Dextri-Maltose No. 1 
until the baby is taking a formula suited to its age and weight. 


REGURGITATION-VOMITING 

When baby vomits or spits up shortly after feeding, boil the milk and 
water together for 2 minutes and reduce the amount of each feeding for 
a few days, returning to the regular feeding as soon as vomiting stops. 

Regurgitation is often prevented by placing the baby in an upright 
position immediately after he has finished nursing, with his head on the 
mother’s shoulder, patting him gently on the buttocks until he has 
expelled the air swallowed during nursing. 


REGULATING THE DIET IN CONSTIPATION 

Many cases of constipation in the bottle-fed baby are the result of a 
negative balance of the potassium and calcium salts. In such cases the 
use of Dextri-Maltose No. 3 in the same amount as Dextri-Maltose No. 1, 
will change this balance and will generally produce soft, normal stools. 
In some instances, especially in older infants, it is necessary to increase 
temporarily the amount of Dextri-Maltose No. 3 to 8 level tablespoonfuls 
in order to obtain the desired results after which continue with 6 level 
tablespoonfuls of Dextri-Maltose No. 3. 


338 * 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


FEEDING TABLE NO. 2 

Feeding Mixtures for Marasmic (Malnourished) Babies* 


Baby’s 

Age 

in 

Months 

Weight 

of 

Baby, 

Pounds 

Amount 

Cow’s 

Milk, 

Ounces 

Amount 

Boiled 

Water, 

Ounces 

Level 

Table¬ 

spoonfuls 

Dextri- 

Maltose 

Amount 
of Each 
Feeding 
Ounces 

Number 

Feedings 

in 

24 hours 

3 

4 

6 

14 

4 

2 

10 

3 

5 

9 

11 

4 

2 

10 

3 

6 

12 

18 

4 

3 

10 

3 

7 

12 

15 

4 

3 

10 

4 

5 

9 

11 

6 

3 

10 

4 

6 • 

12 

18 

6 

3 

10 

5 

7 

15 

25 

6 

4 

10 

5 

8 

18 

22 

4 

4 

10 

6 

7 

15 

25 

6 

5 

8 - 

6 

8 

18 

22 

6 

5 

8 

6 

9 

21 

20 

4 

5 

8 

7 

8 

18 

24 

6 

7 

6 

7 

9 

21 

21 

6 

7 

6 

7 

10 

24 

24 

4 

8 

6 

8 

10 

24 

24 

6 

8 

6 

8 

11 

27 

21 

4 

8 

6 

9 

11 

27 

21 

6 

8 

6 

9 

12 

30 

18 

6 

8 

6 

10 

13 

33 

15 

6 

8 

6 

11 

14 

36 

20 

6 

8 

7 

12 

IS 

39 

17 

6 

8 

7 

12 

16 

42 

14 

6 

8 

7 


♦First Feedings of Marasmic (Malnourished) Infants 

During the first few days, of feeding a marasmic infant, use one-half 
the amount of milk prescribed in table No. 2 for an infant of the same 
age and weight. Then for each ounce of milk less than that prescribed, 
add 1 ounce of water to the amount of water called for in the formula. 
Boil the milk and water together for 2 minutes. Use Dextri-Maltose 
No. 1 in the same quantity as the formula calls for. Gradually increase 
the amount of milk in the feeding (about 1 oz. every other day), reducing 
the water in like amount, until the baby is taking the full table feedings, 
after which, stop boiling feedings. 


HOW TO PREPARE BOILED FEEDINGS 

Boiled feedings should be prepared as follows: After the proper quan¬ 
tities of milk and water are measured separately, pour them together and 
place on the stove, allowing them to come to an active boil, and boil for 
about 2 minutes, stirring constantly in order to avoid a scum forming, 
remove from stove—then gradually add the Dextri-Maltose No. 1, stirring 
until same is completely dissolved. The milk and water should alvyays be 
boiled together. The same results are not obtained when these ingredients 
are boiled separately. Dissolve Dextri-Maltose thoroughly. 
















































INFANT FEEDING 


339 


FACTS ON FEEDING BABIES, ETC. 

FEEDING QANTITIES 

In feeding a baby the quantities to be given are usually 
about as follows: 

The first two days little »v. r U water, 3 or 4 teaspoonfuls every 
2 to 4 hours. Then an ounce of milk and water about or J /3 
cow’s milk or the mother’s breast-milk every ( 2 ?) 3 or 4 
hours. At 1 month old 2 ounces every 3 or 4 hours. At 3 
months old 3 ounces every 3 hours or a little more every 4 
hours. At 5 months old 4^ or 5 ounces the same way. At 
9 months old 6 ounces every 4 hours. At l year old y 2 pint 3 
times a day and a little table food. (Starchy food.) All night 
feedings are stopped beginning at the age of 4 months. 

The carbohydrates come mostly from the vegetable foods, 
the starches and sugars, the cereals, etc., peas, beans, potatoes, 
etc. The sugars are the cane sugars (sucroses) and the glu¬ 
coses (grape sugars). 

The carbohydrates do not repair tissue, but produce energy 
or muscular power. Any excess of the carbohydrate is changed 
into fat and stored in the body as such. It is also stored in 
the body as animal starch (glycogen). Some of the glycogen 
is continuously distributed to the body between feedings to 
supply energy and heat. 

Fats used by the body as food come from both the animal 
and the vegetable kingdoms. They also produce heat and 
energy. Cream and bacon are the most digestible and service¬ 
able fats. Fat in excess is stored in the body as such for use 
in indisposition, etc. (e. g., bears live upon their fat in winter) 
certain elements called vitamins have been found necessary to 
prevent soft, bent bones in babies. Deficiency in vitamins 
produces marasmus, scurvyy and rickets. 

Oranges, lemons and vegetables added to the diet promptly 
will help correct the evil. 

Babies which have been given sterilized milk or some of the 
poorer proprietary foods need such at once. In fact any bot¬ 
tle-fed baby should have orange juice daily, a teaspoonful or 
more clear or in water. 

Three times a day between such number of feedings to pre¬ 
vent rickets, etc. 



339 a 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


The caloric value of foodstuffs is commonly calculated to 
be: 

1 gram of protein = 4.0 calories 
1 gram of carbohydrate = 4.0 calories 
1 gram fat = 8.9 calories 

Body constituents are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, 
principally, also chlorin, lime, magnesia, phosphorus, sulphur, 
etc. There are also mineral elements in the form of so-called 
salts. They are combined with various acids making phos¬ 
phates, chlorids, sulphates, etc. 

The materials we call food, which regenerates and develops 
the body we call food or foodstuffs. They are water (H 2 0) 
protein (hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon) carbohydrates 
(hydrogen, oxygen and carbon). Fat or hydrocarbon (oxygen, 
hydrogen and carbon in the form of fatty acids) as oleic, 
stearic, palmitic, in combination with glycerine, which serves 
as a base for such. 

There are also mineral salts of lime, phosphate, sodium, iron, 
etc., for structural purposes. All animal food and many vege¬ 
table foods such as vegetables and the cereals contain protein 
we well know. Protein is the great repairer of the tissues of 
the body. Whatever protein is not thus used by the body goes 
with various other foods to furnish body heat and muscular 
power. 

The food of an individual, we well know, whether of a baby 
or of a grown person cannot be used for the body in the con¬ 
dition in which it is taken into it. It must be prepared for the 
body tissues. The proteins or nitrogenous foods must be 
changed into soluble peptones. 


INFANT FEEDING 


33% 


DIET FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 


DIET —Suggested by Department of Health of the 
City of New York—(Charts of 1921) 

Bureau of Child Hygiene 

[Author’s Note.—* or [ ] herein, indicates informa¬ 
tion introduced, or the usual modification or detailed 
method employed by the author of this book in feed¬ 
ing the average well child, at the respective age. In 
feeding the sick—child, especially in the poisoning of 
a child, of such age, it is well to select, from these 
normal feedings, a non-conflicting diet in conformity 
with the restrictions previously outlined and indicated 
in this chapter, by the author, as suitable feedings for 
an adult, in a similar poisoning]. 


DIET (12 to 18 Months of Age) 

[At this age the average child requires 850 to 1200 calories daily] 

6.00 TO 6.30 OR 9.00 A. M — 

[Juice of one half to one orange, or two tablespoonfuls prune juice, or 
two tablespoonfuls pineapple or tomato juice. Little or no sugar in it; 
perhaps with water.] 

7.00 TO 7.30 A. M — 

Two to three tablespoonfuls of cereal such as oatmeal, hominy, farina, 
corn flakes, puffed rice, krurnbles, tapico, cream of wheat or wheatena, 
made very thin and served with milk and one teaspoonful of sugar. Glass 
of milk (eight ounces.) Clear, or, with 1 or 2 ounces of water, to reduce 
the size of the curd and to soften it. 


11 A. M.— 

Glass of milk (eight ounces). Cracker or piece of zwieback or piece 
of stale bread with crust. 


1.30 TO 2.00 P. M.— 

One article to be selected from each of the following groups: 

1. Beef juice, two to four tablespoonfuls; coddled egg; scraped beef, 
one tablespoonful; mutton or chicken broth, one cupful; minced chicken, 
one tablespoonful; vegetable soup, one cupful. 2. Bread, zwieback, 
[toasted bread], or cracker. 3. Baked or mashed potato, rice. 

5:30 TO 6.00 P. M.— 

Cereal and milk. Zwieback or stale bread toasted, [or Graham, Arrow- 
root, Wheatsworth, or “Baby” cracker.] 


10 P. M — 

Glass of milk (eight ounces). [With or without 1 or 2 oz. of water.] 
Raw fruit juice should not be given to young children at the same 
meal with milk. It should be given one-half hour before, or at least 

one-half after a meal. T£ t . j- *• 

Give egg at only one meal a day, mid-day preferred. If fat digestion 
poor, avoid much yolk. If getting much other protein, give egg only two 
to four times a week. 


339c 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


DIET (18 to 24 Months of Age) 

[Requires 900 to 1200 calories daily] 

6.00 TO 6.20 A. M.— 

[One to] two ounces of orange juice, or pulp of six stewed prunes, 
or two tablespoonfuls baked apple (stiained), or two tablespoonfuls pine¬ 
apple juice, [raw or cooked tomato juice]. 

7.00 TO 8.00 A. M.— 

Three tablespoonfuls of cereal with milk and small amount of sugar. 
Glass of milk (eight ounces). Piece of toast or bread, buttered. 

11 A. M.— 

Milk (eight ounces)/ Cracker, zwieback, toast, or bread.* 

1.30 TO 2.00 P. M.— 

One article to be selected from each of the following groups: 

1. Beef juice., two to four tablespoonfuls, with bread; egg, soft boiled, 
poached or coddled; scraped beef, one tablespoonful; mutton, chicken 
or beef broth, one cupful; minced chicken, two tablespoonfuls; vege¬ 
table soup, one cupful; lamb chop. 2. Bread, zwieback or cracker.* 
3. Boiled rice, small, baked potato, spinach, well cooked carrots, [fresh 
or canned peas, asparagus, stringless string beans]. 4. Cornstarch pudding 
with milk, rice pudding, baked [or boiled] custard junket, [whey], two 
tablespoonfuls pulp of baked apple or pulp of six prunes. 

5.30 TO 6.00 P. M.— 

Cereal and milk. *Zwieback or stale bread, buttered. * Stewed fruit*. 

10.00 P. M.— 

Milk (eight ounces).* 

*Also as for younger child. 


DIET (2 to 4 Years of Age) 

[Requires 1,000 to 1,400 calories daily] 

NOTE—A cupful of milk and bread or a cracker may be given in 
mid-afternoon or at bedtime, if the child seems hungry. 

7.00 A. M.— 

Juice of one orange, or pulp of six stewed prunes, or two table¬ 
spoonfuls of b.aked apple, or two tablespoonfuls pineapple juice. 

8.00 A. M.— 

Cereal of medium thickness, four tablespoonfuls, with milk and one 
[level], teaspoonful sugar. Egg, soft boiled, poached or coddled. Toa»t 
or stale bread, (buttered).* Glass of milk or cup of cocoa.* 

10.30 A. M.— 

Glass of milk (eight ounces.)* One slice of bread, cracker or rwieback.* 

1.30 P. M.— 

One article each from groups 1, 3, 4 and 5 OR 2, 3, 4 and 5: 

1. Chicken or beef broth, vegetable soup, milk soup made with a 
little potato or celery. 2. Egg (poached, coddled, boiled or scrambled), 
tablespoonful minced beefsteak, lamb chop, roast beef, broiled *teak, 


INFANT FEEDING 


339i 


chicken, fresh broiled or boiled fish. 3. Baked, oiled, creamed or 
mashed potato, rice, marcaroni. 4. Two tablespoonfuls of fresh or canned 
vegetables such as peas, string beans, spinach, asparagus tips, squash, 
stewed celery, cauliflower. All these vegetables should be well cooked. 
Rice [jelly, jam] or bread pudding, junket whey* or custard, apple 
sauce or baked apple. Two tablespoonful (once a week), or plain vanilla 
ice cream. 

5.30 TO 6.00 P. M.— 

Cereal with milk toast or stale bread, lightly buttered. Egg (poached, 
soft boiled or coddled). One cup of milk or cocoa made with milk. 
Custard or stewed fruit. 


DIET (4 to 6 Years of Age) 

[Requires 1,300 to 1,600 calories daily] 

7.30* A. M.— 

7 A. M. Juice of one orange. Baked apple, or stewed prunes. (Fresh 
fruit may be given in season except raw apples, which should only be eaten 
later in the day. Fresh berries in small amounts may be given.) Cereal 
with milk and one teaspoonful sugar. Glass of milk* or cup of cocoa, 
made entirely with milk. Bread or toast with butter. Egg (soft 
boiled, poached, coddled, scrambled or omelet.) 

10.30 A. M.— 

Glass of milk (eight ounces)* and bread. 

1.30 P. M.— 

Select one article from each of groups 1 , 3, 4, 5 and 6 OR 2, 3, 4, 
5 and 6: 

1. Chicken beef or mutton broth, vegetable, pea or bean soups or 
thick milk soups, strained before using. 2. Chicken, lamb, lamb chop, 
roast beef, beefsteak, minced beef, fish broiled, boiled or baked, egg 
(poached, soft boiled or coddled). 3. Vegetables in season except green 
corn, egg plant or raw vegetables such as radishes, cucumbers or 
tomatoes. 4. Potato baked, boiled lightly mashed. 5. Bread and butter. 
6. Stewed fruit (peaches, prunes, apricots or apples) [strawberries, rasp¬ 
berries, or grapes if anemic] cookies or ginger snaps, plain cake, rice, 
tapioca, cornstarch or bread pudding, junkets [whey], or custards, ice 
cream (not oftener than once a week), jam, jelly, honey, dates or figs. 

5.30 TO 6.00* P. M.— 

Cereal with milk and sugar, or milk toast, or thick soup such as 
pea or cream of celery, or egg (coddled, poached, boiled or scrambled). 
Cocoa made with milk, or glass of milk (eight ounces). Bread and 
butter [peanut butter, jelly]. Plain pudding, cookie or [relishes, ginger 
bread], ginger snap, stewed fruit. 

Acids Contained In Various Fruits 

Apricot, banana, cherry, peach, pear, prune and watermelon each con¬ 
tain malic acid. Apple contains malic and gallic acids. Currant and 
gooseberry contain malic and citric acids. Citron, lemon, orange, limes 
and grape fruit contain chiefly citric acid; cantaloupe, rhubarb and lettuce 
also contain it. Cranberry contains malic, citric and benzoic acids. Grape 
contains tartaric acid. Spinach and tomato contain oxalic acid. Apple, 
banana, peach, pear and prune are less acid than most fruits. Apple, 
lemon, limes and orange contain patassium, calcium and magnesius. 
Salts are valuable as antiscorbutics. Apple contains a sodium salt and 
iron also. Calcic and potassic oxalates are found in asparagus, rhubarb, 
sorrel, spinach and tomato. Prunes are about 32 per cent sugar. 


340 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


TOP MILK (“GRAVITY CREAM”) AVERAGES 
Result of milk standing undisturbed for 6 hours or more 


QUANTITY 


Top or upper 1 ounce. 

" “ 2 ounces . 

“ “ 3 ounces . 

“ “ 4 ounces . 

“ ” 5 ounces . 

“ “ 6 ounces . 

“ “ 7 ounces . 

" " 8 ounces . 

“ “ 9 ounces . 

“ “ 10 ounces . 

“ "12 ounces . 

“ “16 ounces (54 bottle, or 1 pint) 

“ “ 20 ounces . 

“ “ 24 ounces . 

“ " 28 ounces . 

The 32 ounces (or whole bottle or 1 quart. . . 


Approximate contained 
per cent of: 


Fat 

Sugar 

Protein 

2254 

4 

23/4 

2154 

4 

23/4 

21 

4 

23,4 

20 

4 

254 

1854 

4 

3 

17 

4 

3 

1554 

4 

3 

14 

454 

3 

1254 

454 

3 

1154 

45^ 

3 

9% 

454 

3 

7% 

454 

3 

6y 5 

43/4 

354 

sy 5 

43/4 

3y 3 

454 

43/ 

3 Vs 

4 

4H 

3 y 3 


Top milk formulas are not very well suited to the average baby unless 
the baby is over 6 months old or is unusually robust. 


AMOUNT OF SLEEP IN 24 HOURS, USUALLY REQUIRED 

AT DIFFERENT AGES 

Compiled by Albert H. BrundaGE, M.D. 


Age Hours 

Birth to 6 Months...20 to 22 

6 Months to 1 Year.18 to 20 

1 to 2 Years.16 to 18 

2 to 4 Years.12 to 14 

4 to 6 Years.11 to 12 

6 to 9 Years.10 to 12 

9 to 12 Years. 9 to 10 

12 to 60 Years. 7 to 9 


In old age there should be more sleep, to compensate better for readier 
waste and exhaustion, but usually sleep is more or less fitful and 
diminished; sometimes mainly a series of drowsing, dozings, or nappings. 
An unnatural tendency to sleep is indicative of some disturbance of 
metabolism with degeneracy of the nervous tissue; may be due to im¬ 
proper eating, severe heat or cold, anxiety or mental excitement, over¬ 
exertion, drunkenness, or other vicious habits. In sleep at various ages, 
pulse and breathing are slower, the temnerature reduced, the muscular 
mechanisms and secretmg organs reduced in a-rivity, the eyeballs rolled 
upward and inward and the pupils contracted. From 2 to S A. M. vitality 
is low usually, hence a higher rate of mortality at such time among 
infants, the weak and the old. More or less folding of leaves and closing 
of flowers at night is analogous to human sleep. 















































GUIDE TO POST-MORTEM PROCEDURE. ?H 


PART XI. 


GUIDE TO POST-MORTEM PRO¬ 
CEDURE. 


(In Suspected Poisoning.) 


In cases of suspected poisoning, the following practical di¬ 
rections are given by Professor Reese, to be observed by those 
who have charge of post-mortem examinations:— 

1. Ascertain whether the individual has labored under any 
previous illness; and how long a time had elapsed between the 
first suspicious symptoms and his death; also, the time that 
had elapsed after death before the inspection is made. 

2 . Note all the circumstances leading to a suspicion of mur¬ 
der or suicide—such as the position and general appearance of 
the body, and the presence of bottles or papers containing poi¬ 
son about his person, or in the room. 

3 . Collect any vomited matters, especially those first ejected, 
and preserve them in a clean glass jar, carefully stoppered and 
labelled. The vessel in which the vomited matters have been 
contained should be carefully inspected for any solid (min¬ 
eral) matters which may have sunk to the bottom, or adhered 
to the sides. If no vomited matters be procurable, and vom¬ 
iting has taken place on the dress, bed-clothes, furniture, etc., 
then portions of these must be carefully preserved for future 
examination. 

4 . Before removing the stomach, apply two ligatures beyond 
each extremity, dividing between each pair, so as to prevent 
the loss of any of the contents. 

5 . If the stomach be opened for inspection, this should be 
performed in a perfectly clean dish, and the contents collected 
carefully in a graduated vessel, so as to properly estimate their 
quantity. [Note here, also, the presence of blood, mucus, bile, 
or undigested food.] These contents should be preserved in a 
perfectly clean glass jar, securelv stoppered, covered over with 



341*t 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


bladder and sealed. The contents of the duodenum should be 
collected and preserved separately. 

6. Carefully inspect the state of the throat, (esophagus, and 
wind-pipe for the presence of foreign substances, and for 
marks of inflammation or corrosion. 

7. Observe the condition of the large intestine —especially 
the rectum; the presence of hardened faeces would indicate 
that purging had not very recently taken place. 

8. Note any morbid changes in the lungs, as congestion, 
inflammation or effusion; in the heart , as contraction, flaccidity, 
presence of a clot; and the condition of the contained blood. 

9. Examine the state of the brain and spinal marrow , and. in the 
female, the condition of the uterus, ovaries, and genital organs. 
(Poisons have sometimes been introduced into the vagina.) 

10. Along with the contents of the stomach and duodenum, 
the viscera that are to be reserved for chemical analysis are 
the stomach and duodenum (to be kept separate from the 
others), the liver and gall-bladder, spleen, kidney, rectum, and 
urinary bladder with its contents. Sometimes, also, a portion 
of the blood may be required for the examination. 

11. As the legal authorities will rigorously insist upon the 
proof of the identity of the matters alleged to be poisonous, it 
is of the greatest importance to preserve such matters from all 
possible contamination by incautious contact with calico or 
paper for wrapping up the specimens. When once the sus¬ 
pected articles are deposited in the hands of a medical man, he 
must preserve them strictly under lock and key, and confide 
them only to a trusty agent for transportation. Many cases 
are on record where the chemical evidence failed simply from 
a want of power clearly to establish the identity of the mat¬ 
ters analyzed. 

Actual testing for poisons in cases of suspected criminality 
ought to be undertaken only by those whose chemical knowl¬ 
edge and skill are considerable. 


A post mortem examination should be made in regu¬ 
lar and generally established routine, that it may be 
orderly, etc. The presence of other medical men and 
of an assistant to make notes may be of subsequent 
importance. The report on the autopsy should be 
clear, accurate, concise, and without expression of 
personal opinion. The report on the analysis should 
be comprehensive and as far as possible conclusive. 



POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 


341 <* 


DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING POST-MOR¬ 
TEM EXAMINATIONS. 

The following suggestions and directions, by Dr. 
Witherstine, for making post-mortem examinations, 
are worthy of consideration : 

In conducting post-mortem examinations, with a view either 
to pathological study or medico-legal investigation, order and 
method are of great importance. 

The three great cavities—the head, the chest, and the 
abdomen —should always be examined, whether suspicion of 
disease in them exists or not. First, however (the autopsy 
being made from twelve to thirty-six hours after death), we 
should note the external appearance of the body—its size, 
weight, conformation, color of the skin, etc. (In cases of 
suspected violence, even abrasion should be minutely de¬ 
scribed.) 

To examine the head, an incision should be made through 
the scalp, across the top of the head, from ear to ear; the two 
flaps thus formed should be reflected, the one over the fore¬ 
head, the other over the occiput. The nature of the attach¬ 
ment of the occipito-frontalis muscle to the bone beneath is 
such as to allow, very easily, the loosening of the scalp. The 
cranium (caJvaria) is now to be removed by means of a small 
saw. 

For the purpose of holding the head firmly during the use 
of the saw, Dr. T. A. Demme has furnished, as a substitute for 
the craniotome of Mr. Lund, of London, a cranium-holder, 
which enables the operator to make a section of the skull in 
any direction. It consists simply of a bar of iron, curved like 
the letter U, at each extremity of which two drill-screws are 
placed, which, when forced down upon the bone, holds the bar 
firmly in situ, and enables the examiner to control the head. 
The legs of the instrument, for use, are placed upon the lateral 
portions of the skull over the squamous portions of the tem¬ 
poral bones. 

The section of the cranium with the saw should be made 
through its outer table completely around the head—from 
before backward, from below the frontal protuberances to the 
squamous portion of the temporal bone, and from behind for¬ 
ward, from the occipital protuberance to the squamous portion 
of the temporal bone, meeting the line just described. The 
shape of the piece thus cut out enables it to be maintained in 
its proper position when the parts are readjusted. It is re- 


342 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


moved by the aid of an elevator, or chisel and hammer, fraC' 
turing the inner table of the skull by strokes so applied as not 
to pierce the brain. 

The dura-mater is next to be cut through, on each side of 
the superior longitudinal sinus; after which dividing the falx 
cerebri, the brain may be raised carefully with the hand placed 
under its anterior portion. The internal carotid artery and 
cranial nerves, etc., are now to be severed by the knife, and 
finally the vertebral arteries and spinal chord. The brain 
itself may then be taken out and inspected, by slicing it from 
the upper part downward, in successive horizontal layers. 

To examine the spinal column, an incision should be 
made from the occipital protuberance to the extremity of the 
os occygis. The deep muscles of the back should then be 
loosened from their attachments so as to expose the laminae 
and spinous processes of all the vertebrae. With the chisel and 
mallet, or saw, we must cut through the arches of the verte¬ 
brae on each side, close to their articular processes. After thus 
opening the spinal canal, the cord is to be exposed by dividing 
the dura-mater through its whole length. 

To examine the neck, an incision should be made through 
the skin, extending from above the hyoid bone to the upper 
part of the sternum. Avoiding penetration of the large veinG 
of the neck, the parts to be examined may be carefully dis^ 
sected, and, if desirable, removed from the body. The thyroid 
gland, larynx, and its appendages, tongue, pharynx, oesopha¬ 
gus, blood-vessels, and nerves of the neck, may be thus 
viewed. 

To examine the chest, two incisions are desirable; the one 
from the root of the neck, in front, to the extremity of the 
ensiform cartilage; the other at right angles to this, across the 
middle of the thorax. The cartilages of the ribs are to be cut 
through at the lines of junction with the ribs. The ensiform 
cartilage, being drawn outward, is to be detached from the 
soft parts, the knife being held close to the sternum. The 
sterno-clavicular articulation may now be opened, and the 
sternum with the costal cartilages raised from its position, a 
cautious use of the knife being made to remove the adherent 
soft parts. 

The thoracic viscera are now exposed, and may be drawn 
out with care and inspected in detail. 

To examine the abdomen, make a crucial incision; the one 
branch extending from the sternum to the pubes, passing to 
the left of the umbilicus; the other transversely across the 


POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 


343 


middle of the abdomen. Care must be taken, in making these 
incisions, not to injure the subjacent viscera. 

Before removing the stomach or any portion of the intes¬ 
tines, ligatures should be placed above and below the part 
that is to be separated. 

When—as is always desirable, if possible—both of the large 
cavities of the trunk are to be opened, a single incision, ex¬ 
tending from the top of the sternum to the symphysis pubis, 
may be made. 

In every case incisions through the skin should be made, as 
far as practicable, only in those parts which are usually cov¬ 
ered by the clothes of the deceased. It is generally advisable, 
when the abdomen or thorax has been opened, to fill the cav¬ 
ities with bran or sawdust. After the examination has been 
completed, the edges of the divided integument should be 
brought together, and retained in apposition by the common 
continued suture. 


WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF VISCERA. 

The following are said to be the average weights 
and measurements of the viscera in health. Some 
allowance must, of course, be made for extremes 
(either way) of height and weight. The measure¬ 
ments are in inches: 

Heart—Adult, Male. 11 oz. 

Heart—Adult, Female. . 9 oz. 


Brain — Adult Male.49)4 oz 

Brain —Adult Female.44 


Usually about the size 
of the closed fist (t. e., 
5 x x 2Vz in.). 
j Cuvier, 64 oz. 
\ Byron, 58 oz. 


Spinal Cord.. . 1 oz. to 

Liver.50 oz. to 

Pancreas. 2)4 oz. to 

Spleen. 5 oz. to 


oz. 
1 % oz. 
60 oz. 
3)4 oz. 
7 oz. 


(18 in. long) 
(12 x 7 x 3 in.) 


Lungs—Ad., Male (together) 45 oz. 

Lungs —Ad., Female “ 32 oz. 

Stomach.4)4 to 7 oz. 

(Moderately full, 12 in. horiz. x 4 in. vert. Holds 3 pints.) 

Thyroid body.1 oz. to 2 oz. 

Thymus at birth.)4 oz. 

Kidneys, together.9 to 10 oz. (Size, 4 x 2 x 1 in. each.) 

Suprarenal capsules. ... 2 drachms. 

Prostate gland.6 drachms. 

Testicles, together.... % oz. to 1 oz. 

Unimpregnated uterus.7 to 12 drachms. (Size, 3 x 2 x 1 in. 
or a little more.) 

1 line (written ") is 1-12 of an inch (written ')• 













344 


HEIGHT, WEIGHT, ETC. (AVERAGES). 


HEIGHT, WEIGHT, GIRTH OF CHEST (Averages) 

(From Report of Brit. Anthropom. Com., 1883.) (Adapted from Wellcome.) 


lbs. 

Weight at birth . 6.8 

Weight at one month . 7.4 

Weight at two months. 8.4 

Weight at three months .... 9.6 

Weight at four months .... 10.8 

Weight at five months. 11.8 

Weight at six months. 12.4 


lbs. 

Weight at seven months ... 13.4 
Weight at eight months'.... 14.4 
Weight at nine months .... 15.8 

Weight at ten months . 16.8 

Weight at eleven months ... 17.8 
Weight at twelve months .. 18.8 


Males 

Females 

Age. 

Height 

Weight 

Age 

Height 

W eight 

Age 

Height 

Weight 

Age 

Height 

Weigh! 

yr- 

ft. in. 

lbs. 

yr- 

ft. 

in. 

lbs. 

y r - 

ft. 

in. 

lbs. 

yr- 

ft. 

in. 

lbs. 

I 

2 5 $ 

185 

14 

4 

"1 

92 

I 

2 

35 

18 

M 

4 


96f 

2 

a 8J 

3 2 $ 

15 

5 

2± 

102J 

2 

2 

7 

2 5l 

15 

5 

1 

io6£ 

3 

2 II 

34 

16 

5 

4l 

ng 

3 

2 

IO 

315 

l6 

5 

if 

113 

4 

3 1 

37 

17 

5 

64 

*31 

4 

3 

0 

36 

17 

5 

2$ 

115* 

5 

3 4 

40 

18 

5 

7 

137 $ 

5 

3 

3 

39, 

l8 

5 

2 $ 

121 

6 

3 7 

44 $ 

19 

5 

7$ 

1395 

6 

3 

6 

4if 

19 

5 

2f 

124 

7 

3 10 

49 ? 

20 

5 

75 

I 43 i 

7 

3 

8 

475 

20 

5 

3 

123$ 

8 

3 11 

55 

21 

5 

75 

M 5 

8 

3 

IO$ 

S 2 

21 

5 

3 

122 

9 

4 if 

603 

22 

5 

7 $ 

147 

9 

4 

of 

55 $ 

22 

5 

3 

123$ 

TO 

4 3 « 

67I 

23 

5 

7 $ 

* 47 $ 

10 

4 

3 

62 

23 

5 

3 

123 

n 

4 55 

72 

24 

5 

7 l 

148 

11 

4 

5 

68 

24 

5 

2f 

121 

12 

4 7 

7 ^f 

25-30 

5 

7 i 

i 5 2 i 

12 

4 

75 

76$ 

25-30 

5 

2 

120 

13 

4 9 

82* 

31-35 

5 

8 

160 

13 

4 

9 i 

87 

3 I_ 35 

5 

X 

121 


COMPARISONS IN ADULT MALE 


Height 
ft. in. 

We ght 
lbs. 

Chest Girth 
in. 

Height 
ft. in. 

Weight 

lbs. 

Chest Girth 
in. 

5 

0 

112 

33$ 

5 7 

148 

38 

5 

1 

Il6 

34 

5 8 

155 

38$ 

5 

2 

12 6 

35 

5 9 

162 

39 

5 

3 

133 

35 

5 10 

169 

39$ 

5 

4 

1.39 

36 

5 “ 

174 

40 

5 

5 

142 

37 

6 0 

178 

40$ 

5 

6 

MS 

37$ 

6 1 

182 

4i 


COMPARISONS IN ADULT FEMALE 


Height 
ft. in. 

Weight 

lbs. 


He 

ft. 

ight 

in. 

Weight 

lbs. 


Height 
ft. in. 

Weight 

lbe. 

4 10 

98 


5 

2 

114 


5 6 

i 39 

411 

102 


5 

3 

121 


5 7 

148 

5 0 

i°5 


5 

4 

128 


5 8 

158 

5 1 

no 


5 

5 

i 35 





Note. —Growth is most rapid during the first five years of life, the rate 
of growth being about the same in both sexes, girls being a little shorter 
and lighter than boys. From 5 to 10, boys grow more rapidly than girls. 
From 10 to 15, girls grow more rapidly than boys, and at 11 1 / 2 to 14J4 
they are actually taller, and from 12^ to 15^2 actually heavier than 
boys. From 15 to 20, boys begin again to increase more rapidly than 
girls, and complete their growth at about 23. After 15, girls grow more 
slowly, and practically reach their full height and weight at 20. During 
childhood increase in weight is more marked in the winter, and increase 
; r> height in the summer. In old age, weight greater in winter. 

Average weight of woman’s clothing is about 1/20 of her body-weight; 
man’s about 1/25 of his body-weight. 






































































POST MORTEM APPEARANCES IN 

POISONING. 


THE MINERAL ACIDS (IN GENERAL). 

The presence or absence of rigor mortis may be of 
considerable importance in determining probable time 
of death in a case of poisoning. Bichat declares he 
never found rigor mortis in death from charcoal as¬ 
phyxiation. Brouardel declares he always found it. 
It may be said in a general way that rigor mortis first 
makes its appearance from the third to the sixth 
hour after death. But after poisoning by a large dose 
of strychnine, rigor mortis immediately succeeds the 
muscular contraction, if such exists at time of death. 

Appearance of body may be healthy. As a rule 
there are stains about the mouth, fingers and other 
places with which the acid has come in contact. 
Mouth cavity and esophagus are usually white and 
corroded at first but become dark brown and 
shriveled; mucous membrane detachable. Epi¬ 
glottis and glottis swollen. The stomach is some¬ 
times contracted, sometimes distended with gas; 
contains a thick, dark-brown fluid. Outer surface 
of stomach and intestines is very vascular and that 
of the stomach may be corroded or perforated. 
Inner surface of stomach may appear charred and 
the mucous membrane between the rugae present a 
scarlet hue. In poisoning by the acids the lining 
membrane of the esophagus is usually wrinkled or 
furrowed longitudinally and the mucous membrane 
of the stomach raised in discolored ridges. 1 he py¬ 
lorus is usually contracted. The appearance of the 
inner surface of the small intestines is similar to 
that of the stomach, if the patient has lived long 
enough, but is less in degree. Perforation, if it oc¬ 
curs, usually takes place posteriorly if before or 
after death the person lay on the back, and the edges 
of the rent are found to be softened. The perito¬ 
neum may be greatly inflamed from the escape of 
the stomach contents through the perforation into, 



346 


A MANUAL OP TOXICOLOGY. 


the abdominal cavity. The bodies of persons dead 
from poisoning by mineral acid seem, for some 
time, to resist putrefaction. 

MINERAL ACIDS. 

(In detail). 

ACID HYDROCHLORIC. 

No stains on lips or face. Usually mucous mem¬ 
brane of mouth, esophagus, etc., are white or whitish- 
brown, blackened or charred. Ridges on inside of 
stomach. Glottis and larynx may be injected and 
corroded. 

Hydrochloric Acid poisoning has not been found 
to result in perforation. 

ACID NITRIC. 

Discoloration of lips, tongue and inside of the 
mouth. Mouth and spots on skin where acid has 
been in contact appear yellow, which is intensified 
by a solution of caustic potash which would dis¬ 
charge Bromine or Iodine stains. Mucous mem¬ 
brane of digestive tract eroded and softened, but 
stomach rarely perforated although softened; it may 
be shreddy. The color appearance of the stomach 
varies—it may be yellow, due to the action of the 
acid upon the mucous membrane; black from action 
of acid on the blood; green or brown from action of 
acid on the bile. Bladder usually is empty. Blood 
dark and thick. Lining membrane of esophagus 
may be divided into minute squares by longitudinal 
and transverse furrows. Seldom that action of acid 
is well marked beyo '1 the duodenum. 

ACID SULPHURIC. 

Post mortem appearances differ in stomach and 
internal organs according to whether death is rapid 
or slow, whether the patient dies from acute poison¬ 
ing, or lives some time and dies from ulceratior and 


VEGETABLE ACIDS. 


347 


contraction of some part of the alimentary canal. 
Usual appearances are: larynx, trachea and lungs 
softened and blackened; esophagus grayish or black¬ 
ish, softened, and mucous membrane may be sepa¬ 
rated and peel off. Stomach usually is greatly in¬ 
flamed in patches or generally, crossed by black 
lines, and softened or perforated; often contracted 
and collapsed; black corrugated mucous membrane 
which may be partly stripped off with underneath 
surface intensely red; contents may be blackish, 
pulpy and tar-like, from altered blood; contents of 
blood vessels black and hard; if there has been per¬ 
foration, the edges of the opening appear dark and 
ragged, and the adjoining viscera is blackened and 
softened. If death was not immediate, may be evi¬ 
dences of inflammation of intestines, peritoneum, 
etc. In rapid cases extensive coagulation of epi¬ 
thelium in the convoluted and straight urinary tubes; 
the kidney parenchyma is destroyed but there is 
absence of inflammation. If acid entered the air 
passages they will present evidences of corrosive 
action. Skin of face or surrounding parts touched 
by acid will generally be corroded and as if covered 
with white paint, browned or blackened. (But if 
the poison was taken from a spoon or the neck of 
a bottle, the mouth may show no signs.) 

VEGETABLE ACIDS, CARBOLIC 

ACID, ETC. 

ACID ACETIC. 

The mucous membrane of the stomach is not cor¬ 
roded nor softened but is blackish near the pylorus. 
Coagulated blood in submucous areolar tissue of 
stomach, interspersed with black elevations. Tongue 
and esophagus a dirty brown color. 

ACID CARBOLIC. 

The odor of the acid can be perceived in the body 
*tfter death. When Carbolic Acid is introduced by 


348 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


subcutaneous injection or by outward application 
there are no characteristic post mortem appear¬ 
ances; but when by mouth, grayish white, or when 
dry, brownish, leathery, wrinkled spots may be found 
on the cheeks or lips; the mouth, throat, esophagus 
and stomach often are whitened and sodden and 
their mucous membrane may be readily detached. 
If the acid was concentrated, the surface may be 
eroded. There is reddening (inflammation) between 
the folds of the stomach. Sometimes the stomach 
is thickened, contracted and blanched; often greatly 
congested, and the mucous membrane detached or 
destroyed. Stomach eschars usually longitudinal, 
white or gray, involving crests of the folds. Wall 
of stomach has leathery feel. The duodenum, 
further portions of intestines, liver and spleen may 
be affected. Respiratory passages often inflamed 
and lungs usually filled with blood. Left ventricle 
of the heart is contracted; right ventricle is dis¬ 
tended. The blood is fluid and dark colored. 
Usually, bladder is empty. The brain sometimes is 
congested, fluid being found in the ventricles. 
Blood vessels of liver, kidneys and spleen are gorged 
with blood. Death resulting from sudden nervous 
shock, caused by taking a large quantity of the acid, 
would of course present different post mortem ap¬ 
pearances from the foregoing. 

ACID HYDROCYANIC. 

There are no constant or characteristic lesions. 
The stomach may be normal or congested. A gen¬ 
eral venous congestion is the most common sign. 
It may be said in a general way that with the ex¬ 
ception of the changes which may be found in the 
stomach after doses of Potassium Cyanide the 
pathological changes produced by Hydrocyanic 
Acid and Potassium Cyanide are very similar to 
those produced by suffocation. The most notice¬ 
able fact about the body is the presence of bright- 
red spots or patches on the surface of it, due to the 


ACID OXALIC. 


349 


formation of cyanmethae-moglobin. The lungs and 
right heart are full of blood and the pulmonic block 
produces a backward engorgement. If death be 
rapid, the left side of the heart is usually empty and 
strongly contracted; but if death be slow, left side 
is full of either black and fluid or of coagulated 
blood. The arterial system is empty. The liver and 
kidneys, vessels of head and veins of the neck usually 
are congested. The lungs are gorged and frequently 
portions of them are oedmatous and there is a bloody 
foam in the mucous membrane of the bronchial 
tubes. The pleura and other serous membranes are 
ecchymotic. As a rule an odor of Hydrocyanic Acid 
exists everywhere, unless concealed by putrefac¬ 
tion, by tobacco, onions, or a strong smelling ethereal 
oil. The odor of Hydrocyanic Acid may be noticed 
in the stomach or other parts of the body in some 
cases, or it may be absent in the stomach and present 
in other parts of the body. Sometimes the bile is 
found to be of a deep blue color and the blood black, 
fluid, or coagulated, and the odor of Hydrocyanic 
Acid easily recognized. There may be turgescence of 
the vessels of the brain and an effusion into the ven¬ 
tricles. Casper and Blyth recommend that the head 
be first opened and examined to perceive the odor in 
the brain, where, if present, it may longer be detected 
than in the abdominal and chest cavities, owing to 
the earlier putrefactive changes in the latter. No 
inflammatory change in the stomach mucous mem¬ 
brane would be expected in poisoning by Bitter Al¬ 
monds, yet eroded, inflamed patch found in one case. 

Cherry Laurel Water. 

The stomach is very red. One case showed in¬ 
tense congestion everywhere. 

ACID OXALIC. 

The mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx 
and esophagus is usually soft or brittle, white, shriv- 


350 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


eled and easily removed. The surface of the eso¬ 
phagus may appear brown and raised in longi- 
tudinal folds. The stomach is frequently con¬ 
tracted, containing a highly acid, brown, jelly-like 
liquid, mainly consisting of altered blood; if death 
be rapid, the mucous membrane may be soft and 
pale, but if delayed is usually black in some parts of 
it and in other parts greatly congested, in rugae, 
with some portions peeling off in patches and the 
underneath coats gangrenous. Actual corrosion 
and perforation is however rare, although the stom¬ 
ach may be too softened to remove entire. The in¬ 
testines are usually much congested and contracted 
more or less throughout their whole extent if death 
was not prompt. The blood is fluid in all parts of 
the body, except the esophagus and stomach. As a 
rule the lungs are congested. Occasionally the 
brain is found to be congested. The kidneys are 
usually dark and full of blood; may show a fine 
striping corresponding to the canaliculi; the whole 
boundary layer may be colored white, due to a depo¬ 
sition of Calcium Oxalate. The urine is albumin¬ 
ous and contains hyaline casts and deposits of oxa¬ 
lates. Sometimes there are no abnormal post 
mortem appearances. 

ACID OXALATE OF POTASH. 

The pathological changes by the Acid Oxalate of 
Potash are identical with those of Oxalic Acid in 
both the esophagus and stomach. These parts are 
almost always more or less inflamed or corroded, 
and the inflammation may have extended into the 
intestines. As a rule the stomach while not actu¬ 
ally eroded is unnaturally transparent. 

ACID TARTARIC. 

Intense inflammation of the stomach and intes¬ 
tines. 


ACONITE AND ACONITINE. 


351 


/ 


ACONITE AND ACONITINE. 

No characteristic lesions. May be more or less 
congestion of lungs and liver and general venous 
congestion. The brain and its membranes frequently 
are injected and the stomach and intestines reddened; 
there is more or less dark and fluid blood in the right 
side of the heart. The blood is as a rule fluid. There 
is a fullness of the large veins. Sometimes the body 
is of a marble-like paleness. 

ALCOHOL. 

Remarkably good preservation and persistent 
rigidity of the body, as a rule. The mucous mem¬ 
brane of the stomach may be fiery red with patches 
of a deeper hue; it may be bright red, dark red, brown 
or pale, but often it is deeply congested and has the 
odor of alcohol; gastric vessels injected and may pre¬ 
sent form of a tree with branches—an arbor mortis. 
Lungs, brain, cerebral vessels and membranes, right 
side of heart, and the great veins of the neck are more 
or less congested. The pia full of blood, engorgement 
of sinuses and plexus. Serum is often found in the 
ventricles. The blood usually is dark and fluid. The 
great veins of the abdomen are full of blood and in 
prolonged coma the bladder is distended with urine. 
Sometimes there are burn-like blebs on the extremi¬ 
ties. As a rule the pupils are dilated. The right 
side of heart is empty. Death by Methyl, skin dark. 

ANTIMONY —TARTAR EMETIC. 

Usually signs of inflammation of mucous mem¬ 
brane of stomach and intestines, sometimes extend¬ 
ing to esophagus and throat. Ulcers and pustules 
have been found upon the mucous membrane of the 
mouth. Stomach and intestines usually coated with 
mucus and signs of inflammation may be absent. 
The blood is thinner than usual. The brain is, as a 
rule, congested, and the viscera may be engorged 
with blood. Lungs generally exhibit signs of em¬ 
physema and there may be effusions into the pleura. 


352 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ARSENIC. 

As a rule the body is remarkably well preserved, 
putrefaction being most delayed in those organs 
which contain Arsenic. The antiseptic properties 
of Arsenic permit of the recognition of the inflam¬ 
matory changes several months after death. But 
putrefactive changes may produce quite similar red¬ 
ness in a healthy stomach. In acute A rsenic poisoning 
with diarrhoea, the blood may be thickened and all the 
organs will present a very dry appearance. In the 
narcotic form of poisoning the vessels of the brain are 
usually very plain. The characteristic lesions usually 
found in Arsenical poisoning are inflammation of the 
stomach and intestines and a fatty degeneration of 
the heart, liver and kidneys, with infiltration of the 
epithelial cells. In acute cases the stomach is most 
affected. In chronic cases the whole alimentary canal 
presents an inflamed and ulcerated appearance, par¬ 
ticularly the duodenum and rectum. Sometimes the 
tongue is greatly swollen. 

The Stomach : The stomach may be empty or it 
may contain blood mixed with mucus. It may be 
contracted and the inner lining corrugated, or the 
whole interior may show streaks of severe conges- 
tion or be of a light-red or brownish color. Some¬ 
times the congested patches are thickened: they 
may be covered with a false membrane mixed with 
particles of Arsenic. It is common to find an ex¬ 
travasation of blood into the mucosa. Although the 
poison be absorbed by the skin or otherwise, there 
are usually evidences of acute gastritis. Frequently 
there are thick, pasty, whitish-gray, or green (from 
Paris Green) patches, usually surrounded by 
brightly injected membrane, where particles of solid 
Arsenic adhere to the walls of the stomach ; yellowish 
streaks from formation of Arsenic Sulphide. Hem¬ 
orrhagic spots may be eroded by gastric contents. 
The stomach may appear white externally but show 
a softened and ulcerated condition internally. 

The Intestines: Usually similar but less severe 


BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE. 


353 


inflammation in this part of the alimentary canal. 
Congestion and inflammation of the whole intestines 
may be present. Unless the patient has lived for 
some days after taking the poison, the large intes¬ 
tine is usually unaffected. Sometimes Peyer’s 
patches, the solitary lymph nodules, and the mesen¬ 
teric nodes are found to be swollen. 

The Tongue, Pharynx and Esophagus: They 
may be more or less inflamed. The esophagus 
streaked in dull or bright red patches or even cor¬ 
roded. 

The Heart: If death is sudden the heart is usually 
unchanged; if otherwise, shows evidences of fatty 
degeneration. The walls of the heart are pale, yel¬ 
lowish, and unnaturally yielding. Ecchymosis of 
muscular tissue under the endocardium and usually 
on the left ventricle, the posterior walls or the intra¬ 
ventricular septum of the heart. 

The Liver: It may be enlarged, as is usual after 
sudden death. Sometimes marked symptoms of 
fatty degeneration. In subacute cases fatal results 
are as much due to inflammation of liver and kid¬ 
neys as to the poisonous effects produced in the 
stomach. 

The Kidneys : Enlarged, soft, and pale. Upon 
section, microscope shows a general or streaked yel¬ 
lowish-gray color and a thickened cortex. 


BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE. 

Usually no very characteristic appearances. The 
eyes dilated and brilliant and the cerebral vessels 
and lungs congested, are the chief points. Tongue 
may be red and mucous membrane of stomach and 
small intestines injected. If Belladonna berries 
were eaten, the mucous membrane of the tongue 
may be purplish. Sometimes there are no post¬ 
mortem effects observable. 


354 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


BROMINE. 

Interior of stomach coated with thick, black layer 
and mucous membrane greatly congested. Ex¬ 
terior of stomach may be injected. Stomach con¬ 
tents generally thick reddish and give forth odor of 
Bromine. The viscera in the vicinity of the stom¬ 
ach may be a deep yellow color. The peritoneal 
coat of the duodenum is usually injected. 

CANTHARIDES. 

Mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines 
is intensely inflamed. Inflammation of the mouth, 
esophagus, throat, ureters, kidneys, and bladder. 
The mouth is swollen. The tonsils may be ulcer¬ 
ated. May be purulent matter covering the mucous 
membrane of the intestines. Sometimes congestion 
of the brain. When the powder has been taken, 
can recognize the shiny green particles in the stom¬ 
ach and intestines. Blood and fatty epithelial casts 
and pus in the urine. 

CARBON MONOXIDE —COAL GAS. 

Often rose-red or bluish-red, irregularly shaped 
patches on face, neck, chest, abdomen or inside of 
thighs, but not on the back. Due to paralysis of 
small arteries of skin, which arteries consequently 
become injected wit.i the changed blood, it is 
said. Blood is fluid generally and peculiarly red 
with a bluish tinge. Face calm, pale, and as a 
rule no foam on the lips. Right heart usually filled 
with blood; left contains very little. Usually some 
of the internal organs are congested. Putrefaction 
usually greatly delayed. Membranes of brain usu¬ 
ally much injected. Sometimes lungs congested or 
even cedematous with effusion. Sometimes the 
most congestion is in the abdominal cavity. 


CHLORAL. 


355 


CHLORAL. 

i 

Odor of drug may be observed. Hypersemia of 
brain in some cases. No characteristic lesions. 

CHLOROFORM. 

Frequently odor of anesthetic perceptible. Rigor 
mortis persistent. Retarded putrefaction. No 
characteristic lesions in death from inhalation. 
Bronchial tubes, lungs and vessels of brain may be 
congested. Heart often found flabby and collapsed. 
The blood is dark and fluid. The post-mortem ap¬ 
pearances when Chloroform has been swallowed are 
chiefly a redness of the mucous membrane of the 
stomach. Epithelium of pharynx, epiglottis and 
esophagus partly detached, whitened and softened. 

CHROMIUM — POTASSIUM BICHROMATE. 

The blood thin and black. The stomach inflamed 

< 

and destroyed or marked with dark-red patches. 

COLCHICUM. 

Usually inflammation of stomach, intestines, and 
lungs. May be congestion of pia mater. Some¬ 
times there are no abnormal appearances. 

COPPER. 

The surface of the body may appear yellowish. 
The stomach and intestines show signs of inflamma¬ 
tion; may be ulcerated. There may be a distinct 
dirty, bluish-green discoloration of the intestinal 
mucous membrane, produced by the contact of the 
Copper. This is a valuable sign when present. 
Touching with Ammonia intensifies the tint. Par¬ 
ticles of Copper'may be found adhering to the intes¬ 
tinal coats. The lungs may be congested, the rec- 


356 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


turn ulcerated. Sometimes the mucous membrane 
of the stomach and small intestines is thickened and 
inflamed; may be softened, ulcerated, or even gan¬ 
grenous. The substance of the liver may be friable 
and fatty; the kidneys swollen and the cortical sub¬ 
stance colored yellow; the pyramids a pale brown 
and compressed. 

DIGITALIS AND DIGITALIN. 

No very characteristic lesions. May be inflam¬ 
mation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, 
and congestion of the brain and its membranes. The 
blood dark and fluid. Right ventricle and auricle 
filled with blood; left empty. 

ETHER. 

If the autopsy is performed soon after death, the 
odor of the anesthetic is perceptible. The cavities 
of the heart are filled with dark fluid blood. Usu¬ 
ally there is congestion of the brain and lungs. 

ERYTHROXYLON AND COCAINE. 

There are no very characteristic lesions. There 
may be congestion of the lungs and other organs 
and the blood fluid and dark. In acute Cocaine poi¬ 
soning, hyperaemia of liver, spleen, kidneys, brain 
and spinal cord have usually been found. 

HEMLOCK (CONIUM). 

There are no characteristic post-mortem appear¬ 
ances. The blood usually is dark and fluid. There 
may be congestion of the brain or lungs. Stomach, 
lungs and brain usually found congested. Intestines 
invariably healthy. 


WATER HEMLOCK. 


35; 


WATER HEMLOCK (COWBANE). 

Stomach red, blood fluid. May be corrosion and 
perforation of the stomach. 

HYOSCYAMUS. 

There are no characteristic lesions after death. 
The brain and its mebranes usually are congested. 

IODINE. 

Appearances of a corrosive irritant poison. The 
liver enlarged and congested. The brain may also 
be congested. Ulcers are sometimes found in the 
stomach. Lungs natural. The other lesions are 
such as are usually produced by an iritant poison. 

LEAD. 

The post-mortem signs are not very distinct. 
There may be inflammation and contraction of the 
alimentary canal; the stomach may be whitened. 
In chronic lead poisoning there is a granular condi¬ 
tion of the kidneys; the large intestines may show 
signs of contraction, and the muscles specially af¬ 
fected present a whitish, flabby appearance. May 
be a grey-black appearance of the intestinal mucous 
membrane, due to a deposit of Lead Sulphide. As 
a rule the stomach contains no unabsorbed poison. 

MERCURY — CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE. 

Corrosive Sublimate is said to take 2 hours to 
reach the urine, 4 hours to reach the saliva, and is 
eliminated from the system in 24 hours. Post¬ 
mortem signs are mainly found in the alimentary 
canal. The mucous membrane of the mouth, fauces 
and esophagus is softened and presents a whitish 
or bluish-grey color. Frequently the stomach is 


358 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


softened, particularly at the cardiac end of it, and 
portions of it may be destroyed. More or less intense 
inflammation always present; the mucous membrane 
often of a slate-grey color and corroded. The stomach 
coats are sometimes very much blackened, probably 
resulting from Sulphide of Mercury. The intestines, 
particularly the caecum, may present the same ap¬ 
pearances. There may be inflammation of the kid¬ 
neys and bladder, the bladder empty and contracted. 
There is marked congestion of the kidneys about 
the Malpighian bodies; the epithelial cells deformed, 
granular, and more or less destroyed. More or less 
intestinal inflammation has been caused by Mer¬ 
curic Cyanide, Mercuric Iodide, White Precipitate, 
and Turpeth Mineral. 

MERCURIC CYANIDE. 

Stomach and intestines appear greatly inflamed. 

POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 

Stomach and intestines usually inflamed and may 
be gangrenous. The vessels of the brain are as a 
rule much congested. The liver is enlarged. Search 
the stomach for the gills and spores of the mush¬ 
room. The spores of the common mushroom are 
oval and dark slate-colored. The discovery of pink 
irregular spores, or of rusty brown irregular spores, 
or of round white prickly spores, would be good evi¬ 
dence that a poisonous mushroom had been eaten. 
Plain round spores might indicate either edible or 
poisonous. Identify the fungus. 

NUX VOMICA AND STRYCHNINE. 

No characteristic appearances. Brain and spinal 
cord may be congested and considerable blood ef¬ 
fused. Blood usually fluid and often very dark. 
Stomach and lungs sometimes found intensely con¬ 
gested. Heart usually has right side gorged with 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


359 


blood, sometimes is empty and contracted. Lungs 
congested. Usually relaxation of body at time of 
death, but rapid, extreme, persistent rigidity ensues 
soon after it. Rigidity usually remains for a long 
time; may disappear within 24 hours or last two 
months. All these leading symptoms rarely pro¬ 
duced except by this poison. Bladder usually con¬ 
tains urine, which should of course be preserved for 
chemical analysis. 

OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 

No very certain nor characteristic signs. The 
blood is as a rule fluid. Stomach and intestines usu¬ 
ally appear normal. The peculiar Opium odor may 
be noticed as soon as the stomach is opened. The 
vessels of the brain usually found in a turgid state, 
a serous effusion into ventricles and at the base of 
the brain. Lungs and other vascular organs may be 
congested. May be heart clots in both sides of 
heart and a thrombosis of the pulmonary artery. 
External surface of body is either livid or pale. 
Bladder is full of urine. These are, however, not 
characteristic of death from this poison. Pupils 
are sometimes contracted, sometimes dilated. Some¬ 
times there is nothing abnormal in the post-mortem 
appearances, and a pathologist could not in any 
single case positively determine the cause of death 
from only the organic appearances. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

Post-mortem appearances vary according to the 
form of poison taken, but usually those of a corro¬ 
sive irritant poison. When the poison is taken in a 
pure state or dissolved in oil, the esophagus and 
other portions of the alimentary canal usually show 
the injurious effects. Rapidly fatal cases exhibit 
signs of irritant poisoning. If death is delayed 
there may be a softening of the stomach, a peculiarly 


360 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


t 


jaundiced skin and ecchymosis beneath pleura, peri¬ 
toneum, pericardium, and in lungs, kidneys, bladder, 
uterus, muscles and subcutaneous tissue (probably 
all due to a rapid disintegration of the blood 
corpuscles). The lesions in many respects resemble 
the most aggravated forms of sea scurvy. The vis¬ 
ceral cavities may contain bloody fluid. May be 
luminosity of the stomach or other parts. The liver 
is usually enlarged, doughy with well marked acini 
and cells filled with large fat drops. A remarkable, 
acute, fatty degeneration of the liver, kidneys, heart 
and other muscles and usually of the walls of the 
arterioles and capillaries constitute the most marked 
lesions. The blood is usually dark and fluid, but of 
a syrupy consistence. The most constant stomach 
lesion is a granular degeneration of the cells, filling 
the gastric follicles, thus altering the appearance of 
the mucous membrane, which becomes white, grey 
or yellow and thick and opaque. There may be 
perforation, but usually small circumscribed spots 
of inflammation, erosion or gangrene. The small 
intestine may be normal or congested. The heart 
is usually discolored, empty and contracted, but 
may contain a small quantity of fluid blood. Phos¬ 
phorus has caused death without leaving recognized 
lesions. 


POTASSA — SODA — AMMONIA. 

The mucous membrane of mouth, throat, eso¬ 
phagus and stomach softened, detached, and choco¬ 
late-colored or black in recent cases. Signs of ul¬ 
ceration in esophagus and stomach or intestines, 
associated with more or less constriction, when 
death has resulted from the secondary effects of the 
poison. In some cases of poisoning by stronger 
Ammonia there may be perforation of the stomach, 
with congestion and blackening of its mucous mem¬ 
brane. 


POTASSIUM CHLORATE. 


361 


POTASSIUM CHLORATE. 

Blood usually brownish and thickened. Kidneys 
injected. 

POTASSIUM CYANIDE. 

The appearances in poisoning by Potassium Cy¬ 
anide are mainly such as are described under Hydro¬ 
cyanic Acid, with the addition perhaps of caustic 
local action. When the poison is taken directly 
after a hearty meal, there may be no signs of corro¬ 
sion or even redness, owing to the protection of the 
stomach by its contents, or the neutralization of the 
Potassium Cyanide by the acid of the stomach. 
Erosions of the lips may be caused by a very strong 
solution of the poison and the caustic effect may be 
traced in the mouth and esophagus to the stomach 
and duodenum; but this is not common, the stomach 
and duodenum only showing the local effects. The 
mucous membrane is swollen, feels soapy, may be 
ulcerated, and is colored a deep red or blood-red; its 
reaction is strongly alkaline; crests of stomach folds 
may be grayish white. The contents have odor of 
bitter almonds. There may be ammoniacal odor 
present. The coloring matter of the blood, dissolved 
out by the Potassium Cyanide, frequently dyes the 
upper layers of the epithelium, as a post-mortem 
effect; this can can be imitated by digesting the 
mucous membrane of a healthy stomach in a Po¬ 
tassium Cyanide solution. The dose of the poison 
and the condition of the stomach as regards empti¬ 
ness, of course, entirely govern the intensity of these 
changes. Although the stomach may be empty 
when the poison is taken, a dose just large enough 
to destroy life may produce but little redness or 
swelling of it. Inflammatory changes in the larynx 
may be produced by vomit drawn into the air pas¬ 
sages in vomiting. The blood often exhales the 
odor of the poison, and as the acid may often be dis¬ 
tilled from it, some of it should be preserved for 
analysis. 


362 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Essence of Almonds may produce the slight in¬ 
flammation of the other essential oils, but no ero¬ 
sion, no strong alkaline reaction, nor effects, such as 
the caustic Potassium Cyanide produces. 

POTASSIUM NITRATE. 

The contents of the stomach may be mixed or 
tinged with blood. Interior of stomach and in¬ 
testinal canal exhibit signs of severe inflammation. 
Mucous membrane may be detached in places, and 
there may be perforation. 

PTOMATROPINES. 

Swelling of pharynx, esophagus and mucous mem¬ 
brane of the stomach. May be venous hypersemia 
of brain, lungs and kidneys. There may be injec¬ 
tion of intestines and swelling of the solitary and 
Peyer’s patches and degeneration of the heart 
muscle. 


SAVINE. 

The capillary and venous systems usually con¬ 
gested. Heart full of blood, particularly on right 
side. The blood is of .a black color. A general 
plethora of intestinal vessels. Usually more or less 
inflammation of bowels, stomach and intestinal 
tract, with congestion of kidneys. 


SILVER CYANIDE IN POTASSIUM 

CYANIDE. 

(Counterfeiter’s Silver Coating). 

Distinct smell of Hydrocyanic Acid. Eyes glist¬ 
ening; pupils dilated; jaws clenched; strong rigor 


SILVER NITRATE. 


363 


mortis ; cerebral membranes congested ; lungs highly 
congested; bronchial tubes and lung cells filled with 
frothy mucus; right side of heart full of black fluid 
blood, left side empty; bladder empty; stomach red. 
(Death in 40 minutes; autopsy after 32 hours). 

SILVER NITRATE. 

In rapid poisoning, a blue line around gums; in 
slow poisoning, a bluish tint of the body. Stomach 
and intestines show either a white color from the 
action of the caustic salt, a black from decomposi¬ 
tion of animal matters, or an intensely red color, due 
to inflammation. 

TOBACCO AND NICOTINE. 

No characteristic signs from Nicotine. Is con¬ 
gestion of liver, brain and lungs. A diffused red¬ 
ness over the mucous surfaces of the stomach and 
bowels. The heart is empty. Blood dark and 
fluid. May detect Nicotine in the body a long time 
after death. Has been found in animals after the 
lapse of years. Nicotine should be sought in the 
stomach, lungs and liver. 

ZINC. 

Zinc Sulphate is apt to produce inflammation. 
Intestinal tract inflamed and usually congestion of 
brain and lungs. Mucous membrane of stomach 
may be much wrinkled. Stomach and intestines 
contracted. 

Zinc Chloride corrodes. A peculiar whiteness and 
opacity of mucous membrane of mouth and eso¬ 
phagus. Stomach usually corrugated, contracted, 
opaque, leaden color, leathery and hard. All parts 
of very acid reaction. Lungs and kidneys congested 
as a rule. The fluid in the stomach has the appear¬ 
ance of curds and whey. There may be fatty de¬ 
generation of various internal organs. 


364 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. l 

POST MORTEM KEY TO POISON. 


Appearance (Post Mortem). 


Probable Cause of Death. 


Black in patches. 

Bright-red spots or patches. 
Blue. 


Marble-like, pale. 

Skin Hemorrhages into. 

Icterus of. 

Papular, pustular or ulcerative 
alterations of. 


.Tan-like and partly necrosed. 

Extremities gangrenous. 

Rigor Mortis persistent. 

Greatly retarded ... 


Putrefaction - 


Hastened (no rigor 
mortis). 


( Yellowish or 
Lips and around Mouth -< brownish... 

/ Whitish . ... 


Hair j 
Pupils -j 


Greenish. 

Sudden loss of. 


Contracted. 
Dilated. .. 


Muscles, Atrophy of. 

Mouth, Inflammation of. 

Tongue and mouth inflamed, teeth loose 


i Blue line on. 
) Dark line on. 


Jaw necrosed. 


Mouth f 


! Corroded 
and 


Throat . 

Stomach [ softened 


Yellow, green or 
brown....... 

Grayish, brownish 
or blackish ... 

-{ Whitish. 


Chocolate-colored 
or black. 


Intensely red. 

Bluish-red or cherry-red, fluid.. 
Brownish and thickened. 


Black. 


Blood 


Extended coagulation of. 

Frothy. 

T ransparent. 

Very fluid. 


Arsenic, silver. 

Coal gas, cyanides, hydrocyanic acid. 
Carbolic acid,coal gas, nitro-benzol,silver- 
nitrate. Cyanides. 

Arsenic, aconite (occasionally). 
Phosphorus, poisonous mushrooms. 
Phallin, phosphorus, solanine. 

Alkalies, bromine, carbolic acid, chro¬ 
mates, corrosive acids, ergot, iodine. 
Bromine. 

Ergot. 

Chloroform, nux vomica, strychnine. 

Alcohol, arsenic, carbolic acid, chloro¬ 
form, mineral acids. 

Poisonous mushrooms. 


Carbolic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid. 
Carbolic acid, oxalic acid, sulphuric acid 

Copper (chronic poisoning). 

Arsenic. 

Opium, physostigmine. 

Belladonna, gelsemium, hyoscyamus, 
scopolamine, stramonium. Alcohol (as 

. • i . [a rule). 

Arsenic, ergot, lead. 

Iodine. 

Bismuth, mercury. 

Lead. 

Bismuth, mercury, silver. 

Phosphorus. 


Nitric acid, oxalic acid (occasionally). 
Sulphuric acid. 

Carbolic acid, chloroform (by mouth), 
corrosive sublimate, hydrochloric acid, 
oxalic acid (occasionally). 


Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, ammonia, 
potassa, soda. 

Quick-lime. [gas. 

Carbon monoxide, cowbane, illuminating 

Arsenic (occasionally), potassium chlo¬ 
rate, nitric acid. 

Savine, tobacco, carbon dioxide, mor¬ 
phine, strychnine, potassium chlorate, 
hydrogen sulphide. [lies. 

Bromine, castor oil beans, mineral alka- 

Chloroform, ether, hydrogen peroxide. 

Various fungi, hydrogen arsenide. 

Carbon monoxide,chloroform,strychnine, 
ir.arphine, oxalates. 















































POST MORTEM KEY TO POISON 


365 


Post Mortem Key to Poison (Continued). 


Appearance (Post Mortem). 


Odor (characteristic); especially notice* 
able upon opening body.,,.. 


'Green or bluish 

green . 

Yellow or reddish 
yellow. 


Stomach. 


Contents 


[a/so walls'] Turn 
black when ex¬ 
posed to ammo¬ 
nium sulphide.. 

Hematic.. ; . 

Luminous in dark. 
Contain shining 
green particles.. 
.Gills and spores... 

White spots. 

P u r p 1 e-red (mu¬ 
cous membrane). 
Black. 


Walls-! 


Red (deep or dark) 
Yellow stains... 
Yellow-brown... 

Leathery . 

Wrinkled, con¬ 
tracted . 

Corrugated and 
thickened..... 


Probable Cause of Death. 


Alcohol, amyl nitrite, anilin, acetic acid, 
arsenic, ammonia, bromine, camphor, 
carbolic acid, chloroform, chlorine, 
cyanides, ether, ethyl bromine, hydro¬ 
chloric acid, hydrocyanic acid, iodine, 
nicotine, nitrobenzol, opium, phospho¬ 
rus, rue, savine, tobacco. 

Copper salts, Paris green. 

Lead chromate, orpi.nent, picric acid, 
potassium bichromate. 


Bismuth, copper, lead, mercury. 

Arsenic, potassium nitrate. 

Phosphorus. 

Cantharides. 

Poisonous mushrooms. 

Arsenic, carbolic acid. 

Zinc. 

Corrosive sublimate, acetic acid (near 
pylorus), oxalic acid (occasionally). 
Arsenic. 

Arsenic. 

Iodine. 

Zinc. 

Carbolic acid, oxalic acid, zinc, H,C1 

[(Ridge’s). 

Arsenic. 


'Contains 


Gastro 

Intestinal- 

Canal 


'Small pieces of 
wood......... 

Leaves. 

Fragments of 
hair-coated 
seeds. 

Fragments of 
- non-coated 
seeds......... 

Mineralparticles 


Hemorrhagic 
material. 


Matches (phosphorus). 

Aconite, belladonna, hyoscyamus, savine, 
stramonium, tobacco. 


Nux vomica. 


Castor oil, hyoscyamus, laburnum, stra¬ 
monium. 

Antimony, antimonious sulphide, arsen¬ 
ous oxide or sulphide, metallic arsenic, 
calomel, chromium preparations, iodine, 
mercuric oxide. 

Arsenic, baryta, phosphorus. 


Walls 

and 

.Contents 


Acid . 
Alkaline, 


Acids, acid salts. 

Alkaline earths, caustic alkalies, potas¬ 
sium cyanide. 




























366 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

Post Mortem Key to Poison (Continued). 


Appearance (Post Mortem). 


Villi turn black. 


Intestines - 

Walls 

and (Yellowish. 

Contents Greenish. 

of Duo- ) 

denum, Brownish. 

etc. 

T ( Black and ulcer- 

Large J at „ H 

Intestine | Dysenteric . 

General contraction of or 
gray-black mucous mem¬ 
brane . 


Bluish-green mucous mem¬ 
brane . 

Abdominal 

Viscera 

(Yellow patches. 

Red “ . 

Grayish or blackish 
„ patches, and corroded... 

Liver, fatty 



Heart, fatty degeneration of, also of 
muscles and kidneys. 


Kidney, rough, grating, sound in cutting 

Lungs, (Edema of.. 

{ Odor of peach pits or hydro¬ 
cyanic acid. 

Congestion of.. 


Probable Caus:j of Death. 


Silver. 

Nitric acid, picric acid, plumbic chromate. 
Cupric sulphate, Paris green, Scheele's 
green, verdigris. 

Bromine, iodine, phosphorus, potassium 
chromate. 

Bismuth. 

Castor beans. 


Lead. 

Copper. 

Arsenic. 

Antimony. 

Mercury. 

Ammonia, antimony, arsenic, iodine, 
phallin, phosphorus. 

Ammonia, antimony, arsenic, iodine, 
phallin, phosphorus. 

Baryta, lead, mercury, oxalic acid. 

Morphine, muscarine, nicotine, pilocarp¬ 
ine, etc. 

Hydrocyanic acid in some form. 

Alcohol, digitalis, etc. 




Poisons Commonly Resorted to by Suicides: 

Carbolic Acid, Oxalic Acid, Paris Green, Arsenic, 
rat paste,” Chloral, Opium and its preparations, 
Prussic Acid, Strychnine, Sugar of Lead, illuminat¬ 
ing gas, charcoal fumes, etc.; of late, in N. Y., 
Lysol, Carbolic Acid, illuminating gas, Paris green, 
Iodin, Corrosive Sublimate; etc. 

Photographers are apt to use potassium cyanide 
for self destruction; hospital attendants, corrosive 
sublimate; domestic servants, illuminating gas, car¬ 
bolic acid, lysol, or oxalic acid; physicians, hydro¬ 
cyanic acid, morphine or other powerful alkaloid. 
Suicides are apt to take large doses; in homicidal 
poisonings post-mortem findings often indicate poison¬ 
ous dose was not large. 

























CHRONIC POISONING 


AND 


DRUG HABITS. 









' 


























CHRONIC POISONING 


369 


PART XII. 


CHRONIC POISONING 

AND 

DRUG HABITS. 


By more or less continued and prolonged use of 
the various preparations of Alcohol, Opium, Mor¬ 
phine, Chloral, Chloroform, Cocaine, Ether, Paralde¬ 
hyde, Wormwood, etc., some persons acquire a 
habit for such poison, and a state of chronic poi¬ 
soning. 

The brain structure is deranged, mental function 
is more or less seriously disturbed, the vital organs 
are weakened or actually diseased, and a degenera¬ 
tion of the whole physical economy is induced. 

Furthermore, the effects, most unfortunately, are 
not limited to the individual, but may be trans¬ 
mitted to succeeding generations, producing var¬ 
ious brain abnormalities, perversion of morals, and 
defects of mind. 

Of all the various kinds of chronic poisonings, 
the most important are those by Alcohol, Opium 
(including Morphine), and Cocaine. 

Dr. Kellogg, formerly superintendent of the New 
York State Asylum, says: 

“There are chronic intoxications from poisons inten¬ 
tionally taken, as in the widespread drug habits. * * * 

In their physiological effects there is a specific difference 
in poisons as to the prevailing emotional mood excited, but 
in their pathogenetic relations to insanity they result in 
maniacal or melancholic states more in accordance with in> 
dividual and constitutional peculiarity. 

Toxic insanitv is acute or chronic vesania caused by the 




370 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


medium of toxic substances acting on the cerebro-spinal 
or sympathetic nervous system and clinically manifested by 
motor, sensory, trophic, vasomotor and psychic disorder, 
varying according to the individual idiosyncrasy of reaction 
to the toxic agencies which have invaded or been generated 
in the organism. 

In some toxi-c cases, motor anomalies, in others sensory 
perversions, and in others intellectual disorder may predomi¬ 
nate, according to the vascular areas and nervous tracts in¬ 
volved in the pathological changes initiated by the poison. 
The cerebro-spinal lesion may give rise to a symptom com¬ 
plex like that of general paresis. 

Some of the more common toxic agents which cause in¬ 
sanity are here named and classified: 

I. Mineral Poisons and Drugs. —1, Lead: 2, Mercury; 3, 

Arsenic; 4, Chloral; 5, Bromide of Potassium; 6, 
Iodoform; 7, Paraldehyde. 

II. Vegetable Poisons. —1, Opium; 2, Belladonna; 3, Can¬ 

nabis Indica; 4, Hyoscyamus; 5, Stramonium; 6, 
Tobacco; 7, Cocaine; 8, Conium; 9, Erythroxylon 
Coca; 10, Astragalus Hornii; 11, Secale Cornutum. 

III. Intoxicants and Noxious Gases. — I, Alcohol; 2, Ether; 

3, Chloroform; 4, Carbonic Oxide; 5, Sulphurous Acid 
Gas. 

IV. Acute Infections and Diseases. —1, Typhoid Fever; 2, 

Smallpox; 3, Scarlet Fever; 4, Typhus Fever; 5, Diph¬ 
theria; 6, Cholera; 7, Puerperal Sepsis; 8, Epidemic 
Influenza; 9, Purpura; 10, Erysipelas; 11, Bubonic 
Plague; 12, Lepra Vera; 13, Lessa Humana. 

V. Auto-Intoxications. — 1, Leucomains; 2, Ptomains. 
Some of these toxic agents only act upon special tissues, 

but most of them deleteriously affect the entire organism, 
and their evil effects continue long after their elimination 
from the system.” 


ALCOHOL — ALCOHOLOMANIA — 
CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM (CHRONIC 
ALCOHOLIC POISONING). 

By alcoholomania is meant the possession of an 
overpowering impulse, crave, craze or mania for in¬ 
toxication by alcohol. 



ALCOHOL, ETC 


371 


By chronic alcoholism is meant the morbid effect 
of chronic excess in the use of alcoholic beverages. 

The spirit obtained from potatoes is the most in¬ 
jurious of all the alcoholic beverages, owing to the 
large amount of amyl alcohol (fusel oil) which it 
contains. Many of the cheap spirits have this as 
their basis. 


SYMPTOMS: 

The system gradually undergoes an alcoholiza¬ 
tion. Nutrition is impaired, the various organs of 
the body gradually undermined, the natural physio¬ 
logical processes being by degrees converted into 
pathological ones. The alcohol irritates the stom¬ 
ach and digestive apparatus, and precipitates the 
pepsin of the gastric juice, inducing heart burn, 
neuralgia of the stomach, belching, melancholia 
and various distressing symptoms associated with 
chronic dyspepsia. The structure of the liver is 
gradually altered and it becomes enlarged and fatty 
or contracted and cirrhosed. The kidney is seriously 
impaired. The heart becomes more or less fatty, 
hypertrophied, weak, flabby and incapable, so that 
the patient suffers from palpitations, dyspnoea, 
“stitches,” etc! Frequently the tongue is parched 
and furred, and the breath foul. There is often per¬ 
sistent and urgent thirst, nausea, flatulence, severe 
pain in the vicinity of the stomach, loss of appetite, 
dislike for food, sense of severe coldness or heat, 
stabbings, twitchings and uneasiness throughout 
the body. The limbs become enfeebled and trem¬ 
ulous. There is more or less mental degredation, 
low-spiritedness, indeterminate fears of impending 
disaster, irritability, cowardliness, cunning, inde¬ 
cision of character, inability to concentrate the 
thought, violence of temper, untruthfulness and 
weakness of purpose. The chronic alcholic is a va¬ 
cant, silly and foolish dement. 

The morbid tissue changes produced by the alco¬ 
hol deprave the brain, intellect and moral sense. 


372 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


and the anesthetic influence of the alcohol so dulls 
the perceptive faculties as to make the alcoholic 
unconscious of the damage being done to his body 
and mind. Destructive changes, which normally 
are painful, elicit no complaint from the benumbed 
senses. Violent acts, even manslaughter, may un¬ 
intentionally be committed through the inability 
to estimate or determine the amount of force em¬ 
ployed in various physical efforts. An intended 
friendly tap may thus be delivered with crushing 
force. Unusually immoral and indecent acts may 
be committed through an enfeebled, deteriorated 
and degraded moral sense, dependent upon cerebral 
and other tissue changes. There is a more or less 
complete paralysis of will power, mind and morals. 
Delirium tremens, dementia, mania, epilepsy, or 
even general paralysis may characterize the prog¬ 
ress of the disease. 

In beer and other malt-liquor-drunkards, there is 
more or less tendency to obesity. There is puffing 
and blowing upon the least exertion, and the move¬ 
ments are more or less sluggish and clumsy. The 
features become dull and expressionless, the face red 
or purplish, and the blood vessels in the regions of 
the eyes and nose enlarged and congested. The 
skin is blotched, greasy and glistening, the eyes red 
and moist and the conjunctiva yellowish. Death, 
frequently, finally occurs from embolism, syncope, 
or dropsy. 

Spirit drinkers incline to emaciation, but ulti¬ 
mately, from ascites or anasarca resulting from 
cirrhosis of the liver and kidneys and fatty degen¬ 
eration of the heart, may become quite rotund or 
large limbed. Their restlessness, imaginings, and 
disturbed, unrefreshing sleep often induce a highly 
dangerous resort to opiates or other narcotics. They 
suffer from delusions of persecution, and some of 
them experience a sense of double consciousness. 


ARSENIC, ETC. 


373 


TREATMENT: 

Various mysterious chemicals, medicinal prepara¬ 
tions and processes, including hypnotism, have 
from time to time been exploited and claimed to be 
a specific remedy for chronic alcoholism. The so- 
called “gold cure” has seemed to prove efficacious 
in some cases, and a most dismal failure in others. 
As a rule the best plan to pursue is to commit the 
alcoholic to some institution where he will be in¬ 
spired with hope, his will fortified, poisoning dis¬ 
continued, and his system built up with such tonics 
as iron, arsenic, cod-liver oil, etc. 


ARSENIC — CHRONIC ARSENICAL POISON¬ 
ING. 

HISTORY: 

Chronic poisoning by arsenic may be caused by 
arsenical wall papers, candles, artificial flowers, 
toys, India rubber balls, carpets, advertising and 
playing cards, floor-cloths, the colored wrappers of 
some cigarettes, japanned goods, etc. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Thirst and dryness of mouth; nausea; vomiting: 
perhaps slimy, bloody diarrhoea; voice rough and 
harsh; eyes red and smarting; eyelids puffed; appe¬ 
tite lost and a sense of weight or soreness at the 
pit of the stomach; skin dry, covered with sore 
spots or scales; disturbed sleep; aching in joints or 
limbs; there may be spitting of blood, great loss 
of flesh, and general debility. 

TREATMENT: 

Remove the cause. Provide plenty of fresh air 
and various tonics, such as iron, quinine, cod-liver 
oil, strychnia, etc. A complete change of air and 
scene often proves of the greatest benefit. 


374 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


CHLORAL—CHLORALISM. 

HISTORY: 

Chloralism may be the result of the long’ contin- 
ued use of the drug as a sleep producer, to relieve 
neuralgia or other pain, etc. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The chief symptoms are a disturbance of diges¬ 
tion, chiefly from the direct effect of the drug upon 
the mucous membrane of the stomach; an eruption 
of the skin, dyspnoea, depression, vertigo, insomnia, 
excitement, volubility, reduction in nerve power, 
lessened mentality, etc. 

TREATMENT: 

Prevent the obtaining of the drug, and build up 
the system. This can ofttimes be best accomplished 
by placing the patient in a good sanitarium for a 
time. 

COCAINE — THE COCAINE HABIT — CO- 
CAINOMANIA—COCAINE INEBRIETY— 
COCAINISM. 

HISTORY: 

The dangers and disasters resulting from a pro¬ 
tracted or habitual use of cocaine can scarcely be 
enumerated or estimated. This is probably the 
most seductive, dangerous and mentally, physically 
and morally destructive of all the drug habits. 
Erlenmeyer has denominated cocaine the third 
scourge of humanity, following in order after al¬ 
cohol and opium, in this respect. Cocaine fascinates 
by the promptness with which it relieves all sense of 
exhaustion, dispels gloom and exhilarates, produc¬ 
ing a sense of happiness and well-being which trans¬ 
ports at once to a longed-for elysium. 

Primarily, the after-effects are scarcely percept¬ 
ible, but through continual indulgence an intense 
craving for the drug or its effects is produced. 


COCAINE, ETC. 


375 


SYMPTOMS: 

The habitue is afflicted with sleeplessness, ner¬ 
vousness, tremulousness, nervous and muscular ir¬ 
ritability, illusions of sight and hearing, insensibility 
to pain, indecision, dyspepsia, palpitation, disincli¬ 
nation to work, avoidance of friends and society, in¬ 
sane jealousy, mistrust, moral perversion, bodily 
emaciation, decay of mind, etc. When the toxica- 
tion is frequently repeated there is a tendency to 
raving insanity. 

Regarding cocainism, Superintendent Kellogg, of 
the State Asylum, says: 

“Cocainism develops a reasoning form of mental aliena¬ 
tion with change of hallucinations and corresponding de¬ 
lusions, anxious and excitable moods, attaining melancholic 
states of agitation on withdrawal of the drug, or even at¬ 
tacks of stuporous collapse.” 

Regarding a comparison of the cocainist with the 
morphinist and the deleterious effects of cocaine, 
Professor Berkley, of Johns Hopkins University, in 
his ‘‘Treatise on Mental Diseases/’ in speaking of 
drug habits, says: 

“Even less than the Morphinist are the Cocaine de¬ 
bauchees to be trusted, inasmuch as their moral rectitude 
and will power have always suffered severely. * * * 

Under the deleterious influence of the continued use of 
Cocaine, especially when it is superadded to the Morphine 
habit, the gravest somatic indications may arise. The bodily 
weight sinks rapidly, even 1-5 to 1-3 of the whole being lost 
within a few weeks. The skin hangs in folds and has a 
dirty yellow tint, the countenance assumes a distressed look, 
muscular weakness and tremor become profound. 

As happens in other states of inanition, the reflexes oe- 
come exalted, cramps make their appearance, there is mus¬ 
cular unrest with tremor, particularly noticeable in the 
tongue. The symptoms of collapse increase. There is a 
growing tendency to fainting attacks, with irregularity in 
the cardiac action, accompanied by profuse sweating and 
dilatation of the pupils. Sleep is much disturbed. The 
patients usually retain their appetite and powers of as¬ 
similation, but the waste being greater than the supply, rapid 


376 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


emaciation results. Sometimes from the direct poisonous 
influence of the alkaloid, sometimes from the continued de¬ 
nutrition of the entire body the person habituated to Co¬ 
caine acquires an indubitable insanity, which assumes the 
customary type of a hallucinatory psychosis. Usually after 
a short prodromal period of motor unrest, anxiety, mis¬ 
trust of family or companions, and increasing irritability are 
noted. Hallucinations which may involve all the special senses, 
quickly follow. Those of hearing are the most frequent. 
Obscene language and scolding voices are overheard; vile 
words are shouted at the sufferers; they hear noises made by 
thieves in the midnight watches; they are threatened with in¬ 
jury; their most secret thoughts are blazoned forth to the edi¬ 
fication of the populace; they are made exhibitions of to the 
delight of their enemies; the roar of machinery, the clanging 
of bells, wailings, loud screams, and shrieks of murder are 
somewhat less frequent. Hallucinations of sight customarily 
accompany those of hearing. * * * Soon the cocaine suf¬ 

ferer becomes dangerous to himself, his family or the com¬ 
munity.” 

Regarding the prognosis in these cases, Prof 
Berkley says: 

“This is most gloomy. Even though the patient recover 
from one attack, he very frequently relapses into his evil 
habits. In the most favorable cases there ever remains an ex¬ 
traordinary weakness of the will power, with accentuated ten¬ 
dency to relieve the physical and psychical languor, by substi¬ 
tuting for the cocaine, alcohol, morphine, antipyrine and other 
nervines in large quantities.” 

Although the cocaine habit has in some instances 
been the result of experimentation or of unwise 
medication, it usually results from the careless and 
persistent taking of cocaine as an analgesic, or of 
taking remedies to cure various ailments, or taking 
so-called cures for the alcohol or opium habit, 
which remedies or cures contained cocaine. The 
attempt to substitute cocaine for alcohol or opium, 
is as hazardous as it is unsuccessful, the evil only 
being added to, instead of lessened. 

TREATMENT: 

The treatment is practically the same as that for 
morphinism (q. v.). Berkley says; 


THE CYANIDES. 


377 


“Persons addicted to the combined morphine-cocaine habit 
should be allowed their morphine, at least until the immediate 
effects of the cocaine have passed away. In chronic cocaine 
insanity home treatment is rarely admissible, especially as 
there are nearly always dangerous tendencies.” 

THE CYANIDES. 

HISTORY: 

Photographers, electroplaters and gilders fre¬ 
quently suffer from chronic poisoning by the cy¬ 
anides. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, pains in 
the cardiac region, dyspnoea, nausea, pallid skin, of¬ 
fensive breath, etc. 

TREATMENT: 

Promptly resort to ammonia inhalations, cold 
douches, chloride of lime held to the nostrils, etc., 
etc. 

Employ electricity, friction and artificial respira¬ 
tion if necessary. 

A mixture of ferrous and ferric sulphates with 
sodium or potassium hydroxide or carbonate is the 
best antidote to employ. 

ETHER — ETHERISM — CHRONIC ETHER 

POISONING. 

HISTORY: 

Ether drinking as a habit was at one time quite 
extensively practiced in Ireland. It was indulged 
in by people of all classes and even by children. It 
was sold in shebeens and groceries, often bartered 
for poultry and farm produce, being delivered at 
the doors of the people by hawkers. From a tea¬ 
spoonful to two or more fluid ounces were drunk 
at a time by the users. The average daily quantity 
by the moderate ether-drinker was two drachms 
three or four times a day. 

The habit, in time, extended to England, Scot- 


378 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


land, France and the United States. Some ether- 
tipplers inhale it instead of drinking it, thus using 
about a pint per day. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Ether-drinking produces mainly symptoms of a 
purely functional disturbance. There is burning 
pain in the stomach, digestive disturbances, loss of 
appetite, and symptoms of acute or chronic gastritis. 
Insomnia, tremors, pallor, gloom, fear, despair, sus¬ 
picions, chills, lemon-colored or blue skin, irregular 
heart action, tottering gait, loss of strength, prema¬ 
ture decay, etc., are among the chief symptoms. 

TREATMENT: 

Isolation, predigested food, soothing gastric treat¬ 
ment, and the general treatment employed in chronic 
alcholism. 

LEAD: —* PLUMBISM — LEAD COLIC — 
LEAD PALSY — WRIST DROP. 

HISTORY. 

Compositors, house painters, potters, card play¬ 
ers, paper hangers, file cutters, electric light work¬ 
ers, japanners, enamellers and others are very apt 
to be afflicted with lead poisoning. 

Some hair dyes and cosmetics, hat linings, or 
goods whitened with a lead preparation, tea packed 
in lead, water or beer which has stood for some 
time in lead pipes, or soda water from lead-topped 
syphons, spirits which have been in leaden recep¬ 
tacles, wine sweetened with lead acetate, foods from 
lead-soldered tins, or lead wrappers, or loaf sugar 
from lead moulds, snuff adulterated with red lead, 
etc., are sometimes the source of lead poisoning. 

SYMPTOMS: 

A general sense of ailing, anaemia, dull-colored 
skin. A blue line at the edge of the gums where 
they meet the teeth is one of the first and most last- 


MERCURY, ETC. 


379 


ing symptoms. It is not found when there are no 
teeth and shows plainly in those who neglect to 
clean their teeth. Not found usually on those who 
attend to them. It is the result of the formation of 
lead sulphide. 

In Lead Colic — “Painters’ Colic” — the chief 
symptoms are a tearing pain in the umbilical region, 
which, as a rule, is relieved by pressure; the walls 
of the abdomen are rigid and retracted; there are 
usually also constipation and other digestive dis¬ 
turbances ; there may be lead paralysis or wrist 
drop in lead poisoning; also cramps in the calves of 
the legs, in the scrotum and penis in men, in the 
uterus in women; pain may occur in the joints, par¬ 
ticularly those of the extremities. 

Other symptoms of lead poisoning are headache, 
vertigo, insomnia, irritability of mind, anaemia, 
emaciation, disturbed digestion, anesthesia of por¬ 
tions of body, sexual degeneracy, tearing, burning 
pain in arms and shoulders, convulsions, etc. In 
women profuse menstruation or even abortion may 
occur. 

TREATMENT: 

Give a blue pill at night, followed by a saline in 
the morning. Iron, Magnesia, Chloroform, and 
Potassium Iodide, 3 or 4 times a day, are beneficial. 
Tincture of Belladonna may be given to relieve the 
colic. Nourish well, and give Cod-liver Oil, Malt 
Extract, Hypophosphites, Wine, etc. Faradization 
and massage are helpful. Strychnine in large doses 
is beneficial. Employ warm baths frequently. 

MERCURY — MERCURIALISM — PTYAL- 
ISM (SALIVATION) — MERCURIAL 
TREMORS (SHAKING PALSY). 

SYMPTOMS: 

In chronic mercurial poisoning there is usually 
debility, nausea, vomiting, colicky pains, a metallic 
taste in the mouth; the gums are dark red, swollen 


380 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


and tender; the teeth adhere; the tongue is furred 
and swollen and the breath foul; may be hacking 
cough and spitting of blood. 

In ptyalism the saliva is greatly increased in 
quantity (sometimes as much as ij/2 pints secreted 
in 24 hours). 

There may be ulceration of the mucous mem¬ 
brane of the mouth, a skin eruption, and even peri¬ 
ostitis; later there may be mercurial tremor, paraly¬ 
sis, or convulsions. The mercurial tremors of 
those engaged in handling mercurial compounds or 
exposed to the fumes of mercury, affect first the 
upper extremities and gradually the whole body. 
Co-ordination power is lost and the movements are 
erratic; ultimately result in mania and imbecility. 

[Salivation is sometimes produced by Antimony, 
Bromine, Lead, Hydrocyanic Acid, Nux Vomica, 
Gold, Cantharides, Digitalis, Conium, Belladonna, 
Opium, and especially by Potassium Iodide. Great 
fetor of breath and painful sponginess of gums is 
peculiar to mercurial salivation, and in case of doubt 
the saliva should be examined for mercury]. 

TREATMENT: 

Tonics, fresh air, albumin, port wine, chlorate of 
potash, gargles, plenty of good food, and perhaps 
small doses of Potassium Iodide, comprise the best 
treatment. 

OPIUM AND MORPHINE — THE OPIUM 
HABIT — THE MORPHINE HABIT — 
OPIOMANIA — MORPHINOMANIA —- 
CHLORODYNOMANIA — ETC. 

HISTORY. 

Opiomaniacs and morphinomaniacs by long-com 
tinued habitual misuse of these drugs are enabled to 
take enormous doses of them without the effects 
proving immediately fatal. Various devotees have 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


531 


been known to average such large quantities, daily, 
of one or the other, as the following: Opium, 30 
grains; an ounce or more of Tincture of Opium; of 
Morphine salts, 8 grains or more. Three ounces of 
Laudanum daily have been taken for a week or two 
at a time by a young woman habitue; another wo¬ 
man drank 1^4 ounces daily for 7 months; still an¬ 
other woman drank of a mixture of Laudanum, 
Spirit of Chloroform and Spirit of Lavender (equal 
parts). 7 ounces daily; every day for years, an adult, 
50 years of age, drank 2^4 ounces of Laudanum and 
1^2 ounces of Paregoric; De Quincey finally took 
8,00c to 10,000 drops of Laudanum daily; doses of 
20, 40, or 60 grains of Sulphate of Morphine are not 
rare. 

Such surprising quantities as the following have 
been recorded: The drinking by an adult female of 
a pint of Laudanum daily; the taking by a man of 
150 grains of solid Opium in one day in 30 grain 
doses; the daily hypodermic injection, in a man, of 
60 grains of the liydrochlorate of Morphine; the 
taking of a fluid ounce of Chlorodyne (Oil of Pep¬ 
permint ; Prussic Acid and Muriate of Morphine; 
the Morphine 2*4 gr. to the ounce), etc. 

It would appear that some children are kept more 
or less under the effects of Morphine bv the use of 
various soothing nostrums. Mrs. Winslow’s Sooth¬ 
ing Syrup is said to contain about one-eighth grain of 
Morphine to the ounce; Godfrey’s Cordial about one 
grain of Opium in two ounces, and Dalby’s Car¬ 
minative one grain in six. 

SYMPTOMS. 

By the narcotizing, anesthetic influence, of both 
Alcohol and Opium, sensation is deadened, nervous 
ability benumbed, the vital powers and intellectual 
faculties undermined by starvation, resulting in an 
atrophic physical wasting and a depraved moraJ 
sense. 

Opium produces so depressant an effect on the 


332 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


special nerve centres and general nervous system 
as to cause frequently sterility in women and impo¬ 
tence in men. 

The hereditary influence of these drugs is more 
apparent in alcoholists than in opiumists or mor¬ 
phinists. 

Cardialgia is a common symptom where either 
of these two poisons are heavily indulged in. Opium 
users, as a rule, take the drug regularly. Alcohol¬ 
ists are apt to be periodical in their excessive use of 
alcohol. Opium lessens the peristaltic action of the 
intestines, resulting in constipation, acidity of the 
stomach, anorexia, deficient digestion, a foul tongue, 
incontinence of the urine., etc. Cardiac innervation 
is disturbed, resulting in attacks of false angina 
pectoris, and pericardial anxiety, producing alarm¬ 
ing symptoms of distress. 

The opiumist’s or morphinist's skin becomes yel¬ 
low, nails brittle, teeth loosened, a most profound 
anaemia usually results; furthermore an exceed¬ 
ingly obstinate sleeplessness is encountered in the 
final stages of chronic morphinism.” 

The morphine habit greatly depraves both brain 
and body nutrition. The body gradually emaciates. 
The higher brain functions undergo serious alter¬ 
ation manifested by loss of self-respect, a tendency 
to coarseness, baseness, and untruthfulness, to seek 
questionable associations, and, in fact, a loss of all 
moral restraint. 

Persons addicted to the morphine or opium habit 
seem incapable of a correct statement of facts or 
occurrences. Their untruthfulness and deceitful¬ 
ness are amazing. As McBride declares: ‘‘They 
misconstrue statements, they habitually misrepre¬ 
sent and misunderstand. If a statement can bo 
given two meanings they will apply the wrong one.” 

Their ability to inspire confidence in their state¬ 
ments, by earnestness, apparent frankness, and im¬ 
pressive solemnity of manner, although, in fact, 
they are cunningly and deliberately lying, is as mar- 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


383 


velous as it may prove serious. In this respect 
some of them are possessed with a most distinct and 
depraved viciousness, indifferently or even with 
heartless satisfaction grievously misrepresenting and 
irreparably wronging innocent persons. And for 
this they may afterwards show no contrition, either 
lacking the moral courage to acknowledge their 
fault or their cerebral degeneration prohibiting their 
subsequent faithful interpretation of the true facts. 
They are thus a serious menace to the well-being 
of not only their own households but to the com¬ 
munity in which they live. 

As a rule the person addicted to Opium does not 
exhibit the tendency to violence manifested by so 
many alcoholists. But owing to the narcotic hold 
the drug has upon the nervous system, opium users 
are more difficult to cure than alcoholists. 

Dr. Kellogg, formerly Superintendent of the State 
Asylum, says in his “Text Book of Mental Dis¬ 
eases,” regarding the effects of morphinism: 

“Morphinism results in amnesic states, affective perver¬ 
sion, irritable, suspicious and fearful delusions, complete 
moral degeneracy, suicidal impulses lacking force of execu¬ 
tion and distressing hallucinations on cessation of the drug, 
with cramps and vasoparetic states.” 

Chronic Opium Intoxication is a condition of 
abandonment to self-gratification and utter indiffer¬ 
ence to duty and the rights and interests of others, 
as is confirmed by various authors, as follows: 

Regarding the Morphine habit, Berkley says: 

“In the mentally robust the most common cause of morphin¬ 
ism is the continued use of the drug for the relief of pain, 
neuralgias, sciatica, repeated migraines, tabetic pains, rheuma¬ 
tism, hepatic or renal colic, dysmenorrhcea, and a host of other 
somatic troubles; then, when the pain has ceased, the habit is 
continued for the pleasurable excitement and feeling of tem¬ 
porary happiness induced by it. * * * In another class of 

cases the patients are of a neuropathic disposition and have 
the same craving for morphine as a stimulant that others have 
foi alcohol, ether, or essence of ginger. The neurasthenic, the 


384 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


hysterical, the hypochondriac, the periodical melancholic or 
drunkard, all turn to opium for that sense of well-being only 
attainable while they are under the influence of some perni¬ 
cious anodyne. 

Still another class of morphinists is met with. * * * 

Persons who have become a prey to grief or despondency 
* * * as well as those who are sleepless or overworked are 
too apt to seek the haven of rest and rare sense of mental 
relief only to be found in the extract of the poppy. 

The sleep of the opium habitue is never profound but is 
broken by the recurring visions which in the dream state 
are constantly changing. The majority of these are agree¬ 
able. * * * [but] may be of a disagreeable nature; in¬ 
numerable faces float before the eye of the imagination. * * 

Time is annihilated or increased to an eternity. * * * 

The permanent effect * * * is shown in pronounced 

moral obliquities, and in the resort to any means, no matter 
how unscrupulous, even actual forgery and theft, to obtain 
the drug. The idea of any personal responsibility falls to 
the lowest ebb; thought action, and even the most impera¬ 
tive duties, are shunned. While the largest number of these 
unfortunates are not insane in the stricter sense of the word, 
there is always present a certain degree of ethical obliquity, 
irritability, peevishness and moroseness. 

It is never safe to believe the word of an opium eater; 
he will prevaricate with or without reason, his disposition 
is uncertain and treacherous, his conscience is obtunded, 
he is dissolute, and has tendencies to morbid impulses.” 

And the distinguished author and president of 
the British Society for the Study of Inebriety, Dr. 
Norman Kerr, of London, in speaking of the chronic 
morphinist, says: 

“He is harassed by frequent palpitation of the heart, op¬ 
pressed breathing, cramps in the abdomen and leg muscles, 
nocturnal pains, fitful sleep with terrifying dreams, trembling 
and fear at imaginary or real voices. There is an exaggerated 
sensibility, slight pains seem to be acute agony, resolution 
is transformed into irresolution, with uncertainty of purpose, 
confusion of thought, morbid melancholy and despair, ano¬ 
rexia alternating with fitful voracious appetite, general consti¬ 
pation with, it may be, frequent prostrating diarrhoeal or 
dysenteric attacks, salivation, listlessness, and indifference to 
cleanliness, personal appearance, and the claims of duty. The 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


385 


moral sense is by and by perverted, so that the person’s word 
■cannot be relied on, and the no longer pleasant though neces¬ 
sary opiate oblivion is procured, if it cannot be honestly, by 
theft, the sale of one’s living body, or murder. * * * * 

Sexual function is in general disturbed. In the female 
amenorrhcea prevails, in the male impotence, but in both 
sexes functional normality is gradually recovered on aban¬ 
donment of the drug. The effects of the cachectic marasmus, 
which is apt to have a fatal ending, often remains long after 
abandonment, though in most cases they are in time over¬ 
come. Death may supervene in various ways: from some 
intercurrent malady, opiumists being peculiarly prone to be 
attacked by some diseases, while apparently almost proof 
against others; from an overdose taken either intentionally 
or accidentally; or, at rare times, from the effects of the 
shock incident on some surgical operation.” 

McBride, of California, in his most excellent ar¬ 
ticle on “The Morphine Habit,” says: 

“In respect of the moral qualities the morphinist is a 
cripple and he will remain so until he regains health, 
if he ever does, by a slow process of character growth which 
can only be begun after the drug is stopped and then con¬ 
tinued for some time subsequently. The quitting of the 
morphine habit is, therefore, but part of the cure. Though 
the patient may have quit the drug, and though he is com¬ 
fortable without it, the cure is far from complete.” 

Nearly all morphine or opium habitues will offer 
some plausible, self-exonerating excuse or expla¬ 
nation for having become addicted to the use of the 
drug. They very commonly place the blame for 
having acquired the habit, upon the family physi¬ 
cian, if they have such, or upon some remedy given 
or recommended by a friend. In the vast majority 
of cases their own deliberate and wanton self-indul¬ 
gence and dream-state seeking, are the true cause of 
the habit. McBride sums up the results of his own 
extended experience and observations, in these 
cases, as follows; 

“It is certainly true of a very large proportion of mor¬ 
phinists that they are people who are originally weak in 
self-control, and usually, too, they are impulsive and selfish. 
I have exceptionally been able to verify the common state- 


386 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


ment of patients that they became addicted to the habit from 
the drug having first been given by a physician, so that I 
think many of the statements to this effect are misrepresen¬ 
tations. It seems to me that very many of them are volun¬ 
tary victims in the sense that they began taking the drugs 
from precisely the same motive that most alcoholic in¬ 
ebriates begin to drink liquor, that is because they find 
pleasure in it. As a rule we have in the morphinist as in 
the alcoholic inebriate, a man who was originally weak in 
self-control, and strong only in the qualities that thrive on 
human frailty. The number of these people who have origin¬ 
ally some twist in the mental make-up is surprisingly large, 
for, however talented they may be, and I have found some 
unfinished geniuses among them, the majority are certainly 
ill-balanced, unadjustable people, with a genuine talent for 
selfishness, and who in their constant attempts to make 
themselves comfortable fall upon the habit that becomes 
their ruin. The chapter is yet to be written which will fitting¬ 
ly describe the mental peculiarities and moral deficiencies of 
these people from whom this straggling, ruined army of 
humanity is recruited. It is not, therefore, probable, indeed 
it is hardly possible, that such people who in health begin 
the habit, will, when self-control, always weak, has been 
further weakened by disease or morbid habit be able to resist 
the temptation to indulgence. To consider the morphinist 
cured and ready to go back into the world soon after the 
use of the drug has been discontinued, is like expecting the 
typhoid patient to go about his business as soon as the tem¬ 
perature has dropped to normal, ignoring the tedious con¬ 
valescence and the perils that beset it. The cure of the 
morphine habit, like the cure of chronic insanity, to be 
permanent must be carried to a restoration of lost character 
elements.” 


TREATMENT: 

Of the various methods of cure of the opium or 
morphine habit, that of more or less rapid reduc¬ 
tion of the size of the dose is undoubtedly the most 
successful and inflicts the least suffering upon the 
patient. Sudden and complete withholding of the 
drug is rarely if at all practiced now as a means 
of cure. The latter course entails severe suffering 
tvithout any material benefit. 


OPIUM AND MORPHINE. 


387 


McBride’s views are expressed as follows - : 

“Of the possible methods of cure that of sudden, entire 
withdrawal is not practiced now as far as I know. Either 
rapid or slow reduction enables the habit to be broken off 
with comparatively a small amount of suffering/’ 

Kerr says: 

“In the drastic abrupt withdrawal, however, the agonies 
of the sufferer are so practically unbearable, as a rule, tha 
only in rare cases has the writer carried out this plan suc¬ 
cessfully.” 

The opiumist or morphinist can, except very 
rarely, only be treated successfully when under per¬ 
fect control. This is almost impossible in private 
practice, hence an institution is the proper place for 
such habitue. There he can be carefully watched, 
constantly prevented from obtaining the drug, and 
medicine and nourishment administered according 
to the indications. Depressed vitality, weak and 
inefficient circulation, gastric hyperacidity and 
catarrh, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, various pecu¬ 
liar pains, prostration, sleeplessness, and over¬ 
whelming craving for the drug can all be promptly 
dealt with. 

The patient will require tonics, perhaps trional, 
chloral, hyoscyamus, or some other hypnotic to pro¬ 
cure sleep; the hyperacidity of the stomach which 
not only distresses but also either precipitates or 
aggravates the insatiable craving for the accus¬ 
tomed drug, calls for the administration of an alka¬ 
line carbonate or bicarbonate, such as sodium bi¬ 
carbonate. 

The opium or morphine may be rapidly or very 
gradually reduced, according to the indications 
noted by frequent observations, such as are best 
provided for in an institution. The dosage may 
fluctuate, in the reduction process, according to the 
tolerance of the patient’s nervous system to the 
shock of reduction. The final reductions are the 
least well borne, the system clinging tenaciously t > 
every fraction of usual effect. 


388 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


The patient should not know how much of the 
drug he is taking when the reduction is made or 
the drug altogether discontinued. 

A hot bath, massage, rubbing the legs with alco¬ 
hol and ether, the use of bromides, gentian, nux 
vomica, strychnine, digitalis, quinine extract of 
cocoa and coffee are among the beneficial measures 
to be employed; chloralamid and even codeine may 
be required. Fresh air and a fair amount of exer¬ 
cise in the convalescent part of the treatment, and 
a healthful occupation of the mind throughout, are 
important points. Every case is to a certain ex¬ 
tent a law unto itself and will call for the physi¬ 
cian’s highest skill and persistent patience. Re¬ 
lapses, which may prove permanent, are apt to 
occur, even after long abstinence perhaps extend¬ 
ing over years. Probably the great difficulty ex¬ 
perienced of late by habitues in obtaining habit¬ 
forming drugs, thereby impelling them to secure 
medical aid, very materially contributes to per¬ 
manent relief and a marked reduction in the num¬ 
ber of habitues. 

Berkley says: 

“Comparatively few Morphine habitues are ever broken 
of their slavery to the alkaloid, and many that recover 
under treatment relapse in the course of a few months. 
Especially difficult to treat are those patients who have 
superadded Cocaine or Alcohol to the original habit, the 
combinations inducing new trains of symptoms even more 
difficult to combat than those from Morphine alone.” * * * 
“Not more than ten per cent, of all cases permanently re¬ 
cover; the remainder relapse within a few months.” 

PARALDEHYDE — CHRONIC PARALDE¬ 
HYDE POISONING. 

SYMPTOMS: 

Constipation, flatulence, muscular weakness tre¬ 
mors, restlessness, feeble, unsteady gait, insomnia, 
anxiety, discontent, unreasonableness, deficient 
memory, difficult speech, delusions, hallucinations 
of sight and hearing, irregular heart action, anaemia 
and emaciation are the chief symptoms. 


PHOSPHORUS, ETC. 


389 


TREATMENT: 

Discontinuance of the drug, with quieting and 
tonic treatment are, as a rule, promptly effective in 
establishing a cure. 


PHOSPHORUS — CHRONIC PHOSPHORUS 

POISONING. 

Phosphorus may produce necrosis of the jaw 
from a periostitis resulting from the slow and con¬ 
tinuous action of phosphorus. The periostitis, as a 
rule, spreads from decayed teeth. The lower jaw 
is, generally, the one affected. 

The remedy for such necrosis is surgical. 


SULPHONAL — TRIONAL — CHRONIC SUL- 
PHONAL POISONING — CHRONIC TRI¬ 
ONAL POISONING. 

HISTORY: 

Chronic poisoning by sulphonal or trional are in¬ 
variably the result of the daily taking of one or the 
other drug to produce sleep. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The symptoms are, in many respects, similar. 
Chief among these are noted frequently, disturbance 
of digestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation or 
diarrhoea, noises in the ears, headache, vertigo, men¬ 
tal and physical incapacity, difficulty of speech, un¬ 
steadiness of gait, sometimes more or less paralysis, 
great emaciation, etc. 

TREATMENT: 

The treatment consists of a discontinuance of the 
drug, rest, a carefully regulated diet, tonics, mas¬ 
sage, etc. 


390 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


WORMWOOD — ABSINTHE — ABSINTH- 

ISM. 

HISTORY: 

Wormwood combined with alcohol and some¬ 
times adulterated with other noxious substances, 
and in either case known as absinthe, is an intense 
poison, rather than a tonic and aid to digestion as 
many suppose. 

Absinthe, at one time so freely used in France, par¬ 
ticularly in Paris, and increasingly in other parts of 
Europe, was undoubtedly one of the greatest curses of 
the French nation. A reckless absinthe mania is said 
to have pervaded both rich and poor classes. 

The craving for the draught by habitues is most in¬ 
tense, the poison becoming almost an absolute neces¬ 
sity of existence. Its effects on the human brain are 
very serious. - r 

An alcoholic infusion of wormwood with other 
plants may be distilled to produce absinthe or as is 
now more commonly done, alcohol is added to vari¬ 
ous herb essences with essence of wormwood. (The 
liquer is also said to be an alcoholic solution of oil of 
wormwood with a little angelica, anise, and mar¬ 
joram). 

SYMPTOMS: 

Absinthe reduces the gastric juice, inter¬ 
feres with digestion and produces a most distressing 
dyspepsia. The drug is said to produce its effect 
mainly on the cervical portion of the spinal cord. 
There is nocturnal restlessness and morning nausea 
and vomiting; the tongue and hands tremble, there 
is blindness, stupor, headache, apathetic listlessness, 
epileptiform convulsions, unconsciousness, falling, 
foaming at the mouth and throwing the limbs 
about, etc. 

The alcohol of the absinthe relaxes, the worm¬ 
wood tightens, so that the action of the former is 
succeeded by that of the latter. Alcohol produces 
coldness which absinthe increases, so that nervous 


WORMWOOD, ETC. 


391 


chills, unnatural coldness, trembling, nausea and 
staggering may result from drinking absinthe. 

The alcohol has paralyzed the inhibitory power 
so that the voluntary muscles, urged by the absinthe 
and unrestrained and uncontrolled, are forced into 
convulsions of an epileptic character associated with 
complete unconsciousness. A repetition of the ab¬ 
sinthe effect during the alcoholic relaxation is apt 
to result in confirmed epilepsy. It is said that “the 
characteristic phenomena of absinthecum—alcohol 
inebriety—are the epileptic explosion, vertigo, and 
early delirium.” It is also said that “the more con¬ 
centrated the poison the more pronounced is its local 
gastric causticity, alcohol being an irritant as well 
as a narcotic poison.” If the poison be freely di¬ 
luted with water it is more rapidly and completely 
absorbed, consequently increasing the other toxic 
properties. 

The fascination which absinthe has for the ab¬ 
sinthe drinker is intense. Perhaps the mental ef¬ 
fect of his indulgence is a sufficient explanation of 
this. Under its influence he may believe himself 
to be a participant in the most momentous affairs. 
A panorama of battling hosts, raging elements, 
scenes of unrestrained revelry, of the transit of 
worlds of indescribable beauty and brightness, 
etc., passes swiftly before his distorted vision. 
He is lost in admiration and ecstacy, or 
overwhelmed with the intensity of stormy 
passions. He lives in another realm, and revels in 
it. He may be afflicted with terrifying hallucina¬ 
tions. 

TREATMENT: 

Although some claim that absinthism may be 
cured by discontinuing the poison and building up 
the nervous system, there can be no question but 
that the habit has an exceedingly strong hold upon 
its victim, greatly injures him, and that it is very 
difficult to permanently discontinue it. 
















APPENDIX. 


DOSE TABLE. 

Showing the Minimum and Maximum Doses of the 

Principal and Many New Remedies. 

(This table is the result of the author’s comparing and averaging the 
doses stated by the leading American and European authorities). 

Note 1.—Approximate reduction to Metric doses may be ob¬ 
tained by multiplying Grains or Minims by 6 V 2 , giving Centi¬ 
grams ; by multiplying Drachms by 4, giving Grams; by mul¬ 
tiplying Ounces by 31, giving Grams. It is customary to 
count 8 teaspoonfuls to the ounce, especially when a gradu¬ 
ated medicine glass is used.) 

Note 2.—The following signs are used to confirm large 
doses intended to be prescribed in a prescription (2 grains are 
taken as an example) : 

By underscoring thus: gr. ij or thus: gr. ii. 

By emphasis after, thus: gr. ij ! or !!! 

By spelling out the quantity: gr. ij two grains. 

By writing after the quantity: gr. ij correct dose. 

By writing after the quantity: gr. ij large dose intended. 

Note 3.—Dr. Young’s Rule for finding the fractional adult 
dose for a child:— 

Divide the age by the age plus 12. Thus a child 3 years of 
3 1 

age should get = p of the adult dose. 

For children the doses of narcotics should be still smaller 
and of purgatives larger. At the age of 20 or 21 years the 
full dose of a medicine is given. 

The hypodermatic dose is about Vi that by the mouth. The 
rectal or vaginal dose about twice that by the mouth. 

Author’s Rule for child less than one year old: 

For his own convenience, the author has devised the following 
rale, to determine the proportionate dose for a child less than 
one year old:—To the number of months the child lacks of being 
one year old add 12, to form the denominator of a fraction the 
numerator of which shall be 1 (the figure of the full year). This 
fraction may be considered to indicate the approximate frac¬ 
tional part of the adult dose suitable to the required age. 

Example.— Age 3 months, which is 9 months less than 1 year' 

- —— = i of adult dose. 

9+12 21 

At birth the dose should be usually about one-half that 
computed by this method. 

After careful review, the author has adopted, for some of the Newest 
remedies, doses recommended by Merck & Co., Burroughs, Wellcome 
& Co., and Parke Davis & Co., for their own very reliable product*. 









394 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


APPORTIONATE DOSE TABLE. 


From 

20 to 60 

years of 

age 

give full dose; 

From 

60 to 80 

ii 

ii 

% 

to % full dose 

From 

80 to 100 

ii 

ii 

% to V 2 

From 

14 to 20 

ii 

ii 


% 

At 14 

years of age give 


% full dose; 

At 12 

it 

ii 


y 2 

ii 

At 8 

ii 

ii 


2-5 

ii 

At 6 

ii 

ii 


% 

ii 

At 4 

ii 

ii 


y 4 

ii 

At 3 

a 

ii 


1-5 

ii 

At 2 

a 

it 


1-7 

ii 

At 1 

a 

ii 


1-12 

ii 

At 6 

months of 

a 


1-16 

ii 

At 3 

ii 

a 


1-20 

it 

At birth give 


1-60 

to 1-30 

it 


DOSE TABLE. 


Remedy. 

Absinthin ... 

Acetal . 

Acetanilidum . 

Acetonum . 

Acetum Opii [Black Drop (E)] . 

Acidum Agaricicum . 

Arsenosum . 

Benzoicum . 

Boricum . 

Camphoricum . 

Carbolicum . 

Catharticum . 

Chrysophanicum . 

Citricum . 

Fluoricum Dilutum . 

Gallicum . 

Gynocardicurn . 

Hydrobromicum Dilutum. 

Hydrochloricum Dilutum . 

Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. 

Hypophosphorosum Dilutum (10 

cent.) .. 

Lacticum . 

Nitricum Dilutum . 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


15 

to 

30 

gr. 

iy 2 

to 

3 

dr. 

0 

LX 

to 

10 

gr¬ 

5 

to 

15 

in in. 

5 

to 

15 

min. 

1-12 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

1-60 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

0 

to 

30 

gr. 

5 

to 

30 

gr- 

10 

to 

30 

gr- 

% 

to 

3 

min 

4 

to 

5 

gr. 

% 

to 

10 

gr- 

5 

to 

30 

gr- 

15 

to 

20 

min, 

5 

to 

30 

gr- 

y 2 

to 

3 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

2 

dr. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

1 

to 

5 

min. 

10 

to 

30 

min. 

15 

to 

30 

g" 

5 

to 

30 

mm. 

























DOSE TABLE. 


395 


Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. 1 to 10 min. 

Dilutum . 5 to 20 min. 

Oxalicum . 14 to 1 gr. 

Phosphoricum Dilutum. 5 to 30 min. 

Picricum . 14 to 5 gr. 

Salicylicum . 5 to 30 gr. 

Sulphuricum Aromaticum. 5 to 15 min. 

Dilutum . 5 to 20 min. 

Tannicum . 1 to 20 gr. 

Tartaricum . 10 to 30 gr. 

Valerianicum . 2 to 10 min. 

Aconitina (Potent., Cryst.).1-650 to 1-200 gr. 

(Mild Amorph.) . 1-60 to 1-20 gr. 

Duquesnel .1-400 to 1-100 gr. 

Aconitinae Nitras .1-500 to 1-250 gr. 

Adonidin . 1-16 to 14 gr. 

Aether . 5 to 60 min. 

Hydrobromicus . 10 to 60 min. 

Agaricin . r A to 1 gr. 

Agathinum . 5 to 10 gr. 

Alantol (Inulol) . 1-6 to 14 gr. 

Allyl Tribromidum . 3 to 8 min. 

Aloe Purificata . 1 to 5 gr. 

Aloinum . 1 to 3 gr. 

Alumini Hydras . 3 to 15 gr. 

Aminiformum (LJrotropin. Formin). 5 to 20 gr. 

Ammonii Arsenas . 1-20 to 1-12 gr. 

Benzoas . 5 to 15 gr. 

Bromidum . 5 to 30 gr. 

Carbonas . 3 to 15 gr. 

Chloridum . 1 to 20 gr. 

Iodidum . 2 to 10 gr. 

Phosphas . 5 to 20 gr. 

Picras . 14 to 14 gr. 

Salicylas . 2 to 20 gr. 

Valerianas . 1 to 5 gr. 

Ammonol (Ammonium Phenyl Acetamid).. 3 to 20 gr. 

Salicylas . 4 to 8 gr. 

Amyl Nitris . 14 to 1 min. 

Amyleni Hydras . 15 to 90 min. 

Amylum Iodatum. 3 to 30 gr. 

Analgen . 2 to 15 gr. 

Anarcotina (Narcotin) . 1 to 3 gr. 












































396 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


Remedy. 

Anemonin . 

Antifebrin . 

Antikamnia . 

Antikol . 

Antimonii et Potassii Tartras. 

Oxidum . 

Sulphidum Purum . 

Antimonium Sulphuratum. 

Antipyrinum (Phenazonum, B. P.)_ 

Antisepsin (Asepsin) . 

Antispasmin . 

Antithermin . 

Antitoxin (Diphtheria) . 

Apiolinum . 

Apiolum . 

Apiolum (Cryst.) . 

Apocodeinae Hydras . 

Hydrochloras . 

Apocynin . 

Apolysin . 

Apomorphinae Hydrochloras . 

(Hypodermically) . 

Aqua Ammonias. 

Creosoti . 

Laurocerasi. 

Arbutin . 

Arecolin .. 

Argenti Cyanidum . 

Iodidum . 

Nitras . 

Oxidum . 

Arsenauro . 

Arseni Bromidum . 

Iodidum . 

Asaprol . 

Asparagin . 

Aspidosperminae Hydrochloras. 

Sulphas . 

Aspirin . 

Atropina. 

Atropinae Sulphas . 

Auri Bromidum . 

Auri et Sodii Chloridum. 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


. y 8 

to 

% 

gr. 

2 

to 

10 

gr. 

4 

to 

10 

gr. 

3 

to 

10 

gr. 

1-20 

to 

y 8 

gr. 

1 

to 

2 

gr. 

. y 4 

to 

1 

gr. 

i 

to 

2 

gr. 

2 

to 

20 

gr. 

3 

to 

10 

gr. 

. % 

to 

2 

gr. 

3 

to 

8 

gr. 

5 

to 

10 

cc. 

. 1% 

to 

3 

gr. 

2 

to 

10 

min. 

4 

to 

15 

gr. 

3 

to 

4 

gr. 

1 

to 

1% 

gr. 

, % 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

1 

to 

30 

gr. 

1-10 

to 

1-6 

gr. 

1-30 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

1 

to 

4 

dr. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

2 

to 

15 

gr- . 

1-20 

to 

1-16 

gr. 

1-60 

to 

1-20 

gr. 

, % 

to 

1 

gr. 

Vs 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

. y 2 

to 

2 

gr. 

5 

to 

15 

min. 

1-60 

to 

1-20 

gr. 

1-20 

to 

1-12 

gr. 

3 

to 

10 

gr. 

3 

to 

10 

gr. 

1-50 

to 

1-30 

gr. 

1-30 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

3 

to 

15 

gr. 

1-120 

to 

1-60 

gr. 

1-120 

to 

1-60 

gr. 

1-10 

to 

1-50 

gr. 

1-30 

to 

1-10 

gr. 












































DOSE TABLE. 


397 


Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Balsamum Gurjunae. 10 to 50 min. 

Baptisin . % to 5 gr. 

Barii Chloridum . 1-10 to 1 gr. 

Sulphidum . Yz to 1 gr. 

Benzanilidum . 10 to 15 gr. 

Benzolinum . 3 to 10 gr. 

Benzonaphtol . 4 to 8 gr. 

Benzosol (Benzol-guaiacol, Guaiacol-ben- 

zoas) . 3 to 15 gr. 

Berberina . 1 to 10 gr. 

Berberinae Hydrochloras . 1 to 10 gr. 

Beta-Naphtol . 3 to 6 gr. 

Betol . 5 to 8 gr. 

Bismuthi Benzoas . 5 to 15 gr. 

Benzonaphtolas . 15 to 30 gr. 

Beta-Naphtolas (Orphol) . 5 to 15 gr. 

Carbolas (Phenol Bismuth). 5 to 15 gr. 

Lactas . 5 to 15 gr. 

Oxyiodidum (Subiodidum) . 5 to 15 gr. 

Salicylas . 5 to 15 gr. 

Subcarbonas . 5 to 60 gr. 

Subgallas (Dermatol). 5 to 15 gr. 

Subnitras . 5 to 60 gr. 

Tannas (Bismuthan) . 5 to 30 gr. 

Blennostasin. 1 to 4 gr. 

Bromalin . 30 to 60 gr. 

Bromoformum . 1 to 10 min 

Bromol . 1 to 2 gr. 

Brucina . 1-12 to Yz gr. 

Bryonin . 1-6 to 2 gr. 

Butyl-Chloral Hydras (Croton Chloral) .... 5 to 10 gr. 

Caffeina . 1 to 5 gr. 

Citrata . 1 to 10 gr. 

EfTervescens . 1 to 2 dr. 

Caffeinae Hydrobromas. Yz to 2 gr. 

Hydrochloras . 1 to 5 min. 

Salicylas . 1 to 3 gr. 

Sodio-Benzoas . 2 to 10 gr. 

Sodio-Salicylas . 2 to 10 gr. 

Tri-iodidum . 1 to 4 gr. 

Valerianas . 1 to 3 gr. 

Calcii Bromidum . 6 to 30 gr. 

Chloridum . 5 to 20 gr. . 











































398 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Calcii Glycerophosphas. 2 to 5 gr. 

Iodidum . 1 to 3 gr. 

Lactas . 3 to 6 gr. 

Lactophosphas . 3 to 10 gr. 

Phosphas Praecipitatus . 8 to 20 gr. 

Calx Chlorata . 3 to 6 gr. 

Sulphurata . 1-10 to 1 gr. 

Cambogia . 1 to 4 gr. 

Camphora . 1 to 10 gr. 

Monobromata . 1 to 10 gr. 

Salicylata . % to 3 gr. 

Cannabina (alkaloid) . 1 to 4 gr. 

Cannabinae Tannas . 2 to 10 gr. 

Cannabinon . Va to 1 gr. 

Capsicin . Vs to X A gr. 

Capsicum . 1 to 5 gr. 

Carbo Animalis Purificatus. 10 to 60 gr. 

Ligni . 10 to 60 gr. 

Cascarine . 2 to 3 gr. 

Castoreum . 10 to 50 gr. 

Caulophyllin (resinoid) . Va to 2 gr. 

Cerii Oxalas. 1 to 5 gr. 

Chinoidinum . 1 to 30 gr. 

Chinol . 3 to 5 gr. 

Chinolinae Tartras . 5 to 20 gr. 

Chloral . 5 to 20 gr. 

Chloralose . 3 to 10 gr. 

Chloralamidum . 10 to 40 gr. 

Chloral-Antipyrin (Hypnal) . 15 to 30 gr. 

Chloral-Caffeina . 3 to 7 gr. 

Chloretone . 5 to 20 gr. 

Chlorodyne . 5 to 30 min. 

Chloroformum. 2 to 10 min, 

Chrysarobinum. 1-60 to 1-12 gr. 

Cimicifugin . 1 to 3 gr. 

Cinchonina . 1 to 30 gr. 

Cinchoninae Salicylas. 1 to 30 gr. 

Sulphas . 1 to 30 gr. 

Cinchonidinae Sulphas. 1 to 30 gr. 

Citrophen . 3 to 15 gr. 

Cocainae Hydrochloras . Vs to 2 gr. 

Salicylas . Vs to 2 gr. 

Codeina . Va to 1 gr. 













































DOSE TABLE. 


399 


Remedy. 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


Codeinae Phosphas . 

. % 

to 

% 

gr. 

Sulphas . 

. 34 

to 

1 

gr. 

Valerianas . 

. 34 

to 

1 

gr. 

Colchicin . 

.1-120 

to 

1-30 

gr. 

Colocynthin . 

. 1-20 

to 

1 

gr. 

Coniina . 

. 1-60 

to 

1-30 

gr. 

Convallamarin . 

. 34 

to 

1 

gr. 

Convallarin. 

. 2 

to 

4 

gr. 

Convolvulin . 

. 1 

to 

2 

gr. 

Cornutin (Ecboline) . 

. 1-20 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

Cotoin . 

. 34 

to 

5 

gr. 

Creatinum . 

. 1 

to 

134 

gr. 

Creolin . 

. 34 

to 

5 

gr. 

Creosotal (Creosote Carbonate). 

. 3 

to 

15 

min. 

Creosotum . 

. 1 

to 

3 

min. 

Cupri Acetas . 

. 34 

to 

1 

gr. 


Arsenas .1-130 to 1-100 gr. 


Sulphas 


34 to 10 gr. 


Daturina .1-150 to 1-50 gr. 

Daturinae Sulphas .1-150 to 1-50 gr. 

Digitalin, German (Merck). 1-16 to 34 S r - 

Digitoxin .1-250 to 1-120 gr. 

Dionin (Ethyl-Morphine Hydrochlor.). 34 to 1 gr. 

Diuretin (Theobromin Sodio-Salicylate) ... 5 to 20 gr. 

Duboisinae Sulphas.1-100 to 1-60 gr. 

Duotal (Guaiacol Carbonate). 5 to 15 gr. 

Elaterinum . 1-60 to 1-12 gr. 

Elaterium . T10 to 34 gr. 

Emetina, Expectorant .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Emetic . 34 to 34 gr. 

Eosote . 3 to 5 gr. 

Ergotinum, Bonjean . 2 to 8 gr. 

Ergotole, by mouth. 5 to 30 min. 

Hypodermic . 5 to 20 min. 

Eserina (Physostigmin) .1-200 to 1-60 gr. 

Eucalyptol . 1 to 15 gr. 

Eudoxin . 6 to 8 gr. 

Euonymin . 34 to 3 gr. 

Euphorin . 34 to 3 gr. 

Euquinin (Euchinin) . 1 to 30 gr. 

Exalgine . 1 to 3 gr. 

Extractum Aconiti . 34 to 34 gr 











































400 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Extractum Aconiti Fluidum . l / 2 to 2 min. 

Ailanthi Fluidum . 10 to 60 min. 

Aloes Aquosum . V2 to 3 gr. 

Apocyni Fluidum . 5 to 20 min. 

Baptisiae Fluidum. 2 to 10 min. 

Belladonnae Foliorum Alcoholicum_ 1-10 to V2 gr. 

Fluidum. 3 to 6 min. 

Radicis . Vs to Vl gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 3 min. 

Berberis Vulgaris Fluidum. 5 to 30 min. 

Boldi Fluidum . 1 to 5 min. 

Buchu Fluidum . 10 to 60 min. 

Cacti Grandiflora Fluidum. 5 to 10 min. 

Cannabis Indicae . Vs to 1 gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 5 min. 

Cinae Fluidum . 15 to 60 min. 

Colchici Radicis . V2 to 3 gr. 

Fluidum . 2 to 5 min. 

Seminis Fluidum . 1 to 5 min. 

Colocynthidis . V2 to 2 gr. 

Conii . 1 to 2 gr. 

Fluidum . 2 to 5 min. 

Convallariae Fluidum . 1 to 15 min. 

Digitalis . Vs to V2 gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 3 min. 

Ergotae . V2 to 8 gr. 

Fluidum . 15 to 60 min. 

Euonymi . 1 to 5 gr. 

Gelsemii Alcoholicum . V4. to V2 gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 5 min. 

Glandulae Suprarenales . 3 to 8 gr. 

Guaranae Fluidum. 10 to 30 min. 

Hyoscyami Alcoholicum. 1 to 3 gr. 

Fluidum . 3 to 10 min. 

Ignatiae . V. to V2 gr. 

Jambolanum Fluidum . 10 to 20 min. 

Nucis Vomicae . Vs to V2 gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 5 min. 

Opii . Vs to 1 gr. 

Passiflorae Fluidum . 5 to 10 min, 

Physostjigmatis .1-16 to Ve gr. 

Fluidum . 1 to 3 min. 

Rhamni Purshianae Fluidum. 10 to 30 min. 












































DOSE TABLE. 


401 


Remedy. 

Extractnm Rhois Toxicodendri Fluidum. 

Scillae Fluidum . 

Stramonii . 

Veratri Viridis Fluidum. 

Viburni Prunifolii Fluidum. 

Febralgene . 

Fel Bovis Inspissatum . 

Purificatum . 

Ferratin . 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


% 


1 to 
1 to 
1-6 to 
1 to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 

Arsenas . 1-16 to 


Ferri Albuminas . 10 


Benzoas . 

Bromidum . 

Citras . 

et Strychninae Citras. 

Glycerophosphas . 

Iodidum . 

Lactas . 

Oxalas . 

Phosphas . 

Pyrophosphas . 

Salicylas . 

Subcarbonas . 

Sulphas 


1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

5 

1 

3 

5 

1 


to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 


15 

5 

% 

5 

1 


mm. 

min. 

g r ; 

min. 

dr. 


15 gr. 
15 gr. 
10 gr. 
10 gr. 
20 gr. 
% gr. 
5 gr. 
5 gr. 
10 gr. 
3 gr. 
5 gr. 
5 gr. 
3 gr. 

2 gr. 
10 gr. 

5 gr. 
10 gr. 
30 gr. 
5 gr. 

3 gr. 
2 gr. 

15 gr. 


30 gr. 
3 gr. 
V 2 gr. 


Exsiccatus . Vs 

Valerianas . Vs 

Ferropyrin . 5 

Ferrosomatose . 15 to 60 gr. 

Ferrum Dialysatum . 10 to 30 min. 

Reductum . 1 to 5 gr. 

Formin (Urotropin) . 5 to 

Fuchsin (Rosein) . 1-10 to 

Gelsemin (resinoid) . Vs to 

Gelsemina (alkaloid) .1-120 to 1-30 gr. 

Gelseminae Hydrochloras .1-120 to 1-30 gr. 

Geosote (Guaiacol Valerianas) . 2 to 

Glandulae Pituitae . 2 to 

Prostatae, Sicc. Pulv. x k to 

Suprarenales Sicc. Pulv. 1 to 

Thymi (Thymus Gland) . 4 to 10 gr. 

Thymi Sicc. Pulv. 3 to 10 gr. 

Thyroideae Siccae .1, gradual to 10 gr. 

Glonoinum (Nitroglycerin) .1-200 to 1-50 min. 

Suaicol . Vs to 2 min. 

Benzoas (Benzosol) . 3 to 15 gr. 


10 min. 
4 gr. 
gr. 
gr. 


2 

4 














































402 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


Guaiacol Carbonas (Duotal). 

5 

to 

15 

gr. 

Salicylas (Guaiacol Salol). 

5 

to 

15 

gr. 

Valerianas (Geosote) . 

9 

to 

10 

min, 

Guaiamar . 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

Guaiaperol . 

4 

to 

20 

gr. 

Guaiaquin (Guaiacol Quinin Bisulphonas) . 

1 

to 

5 

gr. 

Guaranin . 

1 

to 

5 

gr. 

Helonin . 

. y 2 

to 

3 

gr. 

Hemalbumen . 

. 10 

to 

20 

gr. 

Hemogallol . 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

Hemoglobin . 


to 

2 

gr. 

Hemol . 

5 

to 

10 

gr. 

Heroina . 

. 1-12 

to 

1-6 

gr. 

Heroinae Hydrochloras . 

. 1-12 

to 

1-6 

gr. 

Homatropinae Hydrobromas . 

.1-120 

to 

1-20 

gr. 

Hydrochloras . 

.1-120 

to 

1-20 

gr. 

Salicylas . 

.1-120 

to 

1-20 

gr. 

Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum.. 

. 1-80 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

Mite. 

1-10 

to 

20 

gr. 

Cyanidum . 

.1-100 

to 

1-10 

gr- 

Iodidum Flavum . 

. 1-6 

to 

1 

gr. 

Rubrum . 

. 1-50 

to 

1-10 

gr. 

Oxidum Rubrum . 

. 1-10 

to 

1-5 

gr. 

Salicylas . 

. 1-10 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

Subsulphas Flavum (Turpeth Mineral) 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

as emetic for child 2 

to 

3 

gr. 

Tannas . 

. y 2 

to 

2 

gr- 

Thymol-Acetas . 

. 1-12 

tc 

1-6 

gr. 

Hydrargyrum cum Creta (Gray Powder) . 

. y 2 

to 

10 

gr. 

Hydrastin (resinoid, eclectic). 

5 

to 

10 

gr. 

Hydrastina (alkaloid) . 

. 1-16 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

Hydrastinae Sulphas . 

. 1-16 

to 

y 2 

gr. 

Hydrastinina . 

. 1-16 

to 

1-6 

gr. 

Hydrastininae Hydrochloras .. 

. 1-16 

to 

1-12 

gr. 

Hydrochinonum (Hydroquinone). 

5 

to 

30 

gr. 

Hyoscina . 

.1-120 

to 

1-60 

gr. 


Hyoscinae Hydriodidum .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Hydrobromas .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Hydrochloras .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Hyoscyamin (resinoid, amorphous). Vs to gr. 

Hyoscyamina (alkaloid, cryst.).1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Hyoscyaminae Hydrobromas .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Sulphas . 1-120 to 1-60 gr. 









































DOSE TABLE. 


403 


Remedy. 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum, 


Hypnacetin. 

Hypnal. 

Hypnone. 

Ichthalbin. 

Ichthyol. 

Infusum Digitalis. 

Infusum Sennae Comp. (Black Draught).... 

Iodipin . 

Iodocaffein . 

Iodoformum . 

Iodol . 

Iodothyrin (Thyrein) . 

Ipecacuanhae . 

Iridin . 

Jalapa . 

Juglandin ... 

Kairin . 

Kalagua ... 

Kryofine . 

Lactophenine . 

Largin . 

Liquor Acidi Arsenosi. 

Arseni et Hydrarg. Iodidi (Donovan’s Sol.) 
Epinephrin Hydrochlor. Adrenalin. 

Chlorid. (1 to 1,000). 

Ferri Chloridi . 

Iodi Compositus (Lugol’s Solution)_ 

Morphinae Bimeconatis . 

Opii Compositus (Squibb). 

Potassae . 

Potassii Arsenitis (Fowler’s Solution). 

Sodii Arsenas . 

Lithii Benzoas . 

Bromidum . 

Carbonas . 

Citras . 

Iodidum . 

Salicylas . 

Lobelin . 

Lupulinum . 

Lycetol . 

Lysidin . 

Massa Ferri Carbonatis. 

Hydrargyri . 

Magnesii Glycerophosphas . 


3 to 4 gr. 
15 to 30 gr. 
1 to 7 gr. 
5 to 10 gr. 
3 to 10 gr. 


1 to 

4 dr. 

1 to 

3 oz. 

15 

to 

60 

min. 

2 

to 

5 

gr. 

1 

to 

3 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

3 

gr. 

5 

to 

10 

gr. 

1-6 

to 

30 

gr. 

1 

to 

3 

gr. 

10 

to 

20 

gr. 

1 

to 

5 

gr. 

3 

to 

15 

gr. 

% 

to 

5 

gr. 

4 

to 

12 

gr. 

8 

to 

15 

gr. 

5 

to 

8 

gr. 

3 

to 

5 

min. 

1 

to 

10 

min. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

2 

to 

10 

min. 

1 

to 

10 

min. 

5 

to 

40 

min. 

3 

to 

20 

min. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

1 

to 

8 

min. 

1 

to 

8 

min. 

5 

to 

15 

gr- 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

2 

to 

10 

gr. 

2 

to 

5 

gr. 

1 

to 

8 

gr. 

5 

to 

30 

gr. 

% 

to 

1 

gr. 

5 

to 

10 

gr. 

15 

to 

30 

gr. 

1 

to 

5 

gr. 

3 

to 

5 

gr- 

1 

to 

10 

gr. 

2 

to 

5 

gr. 










































404 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


Remedy. 


Malakin . 

Malarin . 5 to 

Mangani Dioxidum (Binoxide, Peroxide).. 2 to 

Hypophosphis . 10 to 

Sulphas . 2 to 

Menthol . 3 to 

Methyl Salicylas . 5 to 

Methylal . 2 to 

Methylene Blue . 1 to 

Migrainin . 2 to 

Morphina . 1-20 to 

Morphinse Acetas . 1-20 to 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum, 
. 5 to 10 gr. 


15 gr. 

5 gr. 
20 gr. 

5 gr. 

5 gr. 
10 min. 
5 min. 
8 gr. 
15 gr. 
gr. 
gr. 
gr. 
gr. 
gr. 
gr. 


y 2 


y 2 


y 2 


y 2 

2 

a 


Hydrochloras . 1-20 to 

Sulphas . 1-20 to 

Muscarina . 1-30 to 

Napellin . V 2 to % 

Naphtalinum . 2 to 15 gr. 

Narceina . 1-6 to 1 gr. 

Narceinae Hydrochloras. 1-6 to 1 gr. 

Narcotina . 2 to 15 gr. 

Neosalvarsan (intravenously every 2d day, 4 times) 10 gr. 

Nepenthe . 5 to 30 min. 

Neurodin . 5 to 10 gr. 

Niccoli Bromidum . 2 to 8 gr. 

Nicotina .1-20 to 1-10 gr. 

Nitroglycerinum .1-200 to 1-50 min. 

Nosophen (Iodophen) . 5 

Nuclein . 20 

Oleoresina Aspidii . % 

Capsici . x /4 

Piperis . X A 

Oleum Amygdalae Amarae. % 

Anisi . 1 

Anthemidis . 2 


to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
to 
1 to 
1 to 
1 to 
5 to 
1 to 
1 to 

1 to 
3 to 

2 to 

Junioeri . 5 to 


Cajuputi .. 

Cari . 

Caryophylli 

Chenopodii 

Cinnamomi 

Copaibae .. 

Erigerontis 

Gaultheriae 

Hedeomae . 


8 gr. 
60 gr. 

1 dr. 

1 min 
1 min. 
1 min. 
5 min. 
10 min. 
5 min 
min 
min 
10 min. 
5 min. 
15 min. 
10 min. 
20 min. 
10 min. 
20 min. 


5 

5 












































DOSE TABLE. 


405 


Remedy. 



Dose. 




Minimum. 

Maximum. 

Oleum Lavandulae Florum... 


. 1 

to 

5 

min. 

Menthae Piperitae . 


. 1 

to 

5 

min. 

Phosphoratum . 


. 1 

to 

3 

min. 

Rutae . 



to 

5 

min. 

Sabinae . 



to 

5 

min. 

Santoli . 


. 5 

to 

30 

min. 

Sinapis Volatile . 


. Vs 

to 

% 

min. 

Tanaceti. 


. 1 

to 

3 

min. 

Terebinthinae . 


. 5 

to 

60 

min. 

Tiglii . 


. i/ 2 

to 

2 

min, 

Opii Pulvis . 


. % 

to 

2 

gr. 

Opocerebrinum . 


. 3 

to 

6 

gr. 

Opohepatoidinum . 


. 5 

to 

10 

gr. 

Opohypophysinum . 


. Vs 

to 

% 

gr. 

Opolieninum . 


. V 2 

to 

IV 2 

dr. 

Opomamminum . 


. 15 

to 

25 

gr. 

Opomedullinum . 


. 3 

to 

15 

gr. 

Opoorchidinum . 


. 8 

to 

12 

gr. 

Opoossiinum . 


. 3 

to 

15 

gr. 

Opoovariinum . 


. 3 

to 

12 

gr. 

Opopancreatinum . 


. 3 

to 

12 

gr. 

Opoprostatinum . 


. 1 

to 

3 

gr. 

Oporeniinum . 


. 8 

to 

12 

gr. 

Oposupranelinum . 


. 3 

to 

6 

gr. 

Opothymiinum . 


. 3 

to 

8 

gr. 

Opothyroidinum . 


. % 

to 

IV 2 

gr- 

Qrexin . 


. 2 

to 

6 

gr. 

Orexinae Tannas . 


. 2 

to 

8 

gr. 

Orthoform . 


. 5 

to 

15 

gr. 

Orphol . 


. 5 

to 

15 

gr. 

Oxycamphor . 


. 10 

to 

15 

gr. 

Papain (Papoid) . 


. 2 

to 

5 

gr. 

Papaverina . 



to 

% 

gr. 

Papayotin . 


. V,i 

to 

1 

gr. 

Paraldehydum . 


. 30 

to 

60 

min. 

Pelletierinae Hydrobromas .. 


. 4 

to 

8 

gr. 

Hydrochloras . 


. 4 

to 

8 

gr. 

Sulphas . 


. 5 

to 

10 

gr. 

Tannas . 


. 5 

to 

10 

gr. 

Pellotina . 


. Vs 

to 

1 

gr. 

Pellotinae Hydrochloras. 


. V 2 

to 

IV 2 

gr. 

Peptenzyme . 


. 10 

to 

20 

gr. 

Peronin . 



to 

1 

gr 














































406 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Phenacetinum . 5 to 20 gr. 

Phenalgin . 5 to 15 gr. 

Pheno-Bromate . 5 to 20 gr. 

Phenocoll Hydrochloras . 5 to 10 gr. 

Salicylas (Salocoll) . 3 to 30 gr. 

Phenol-Bismuth (Bismuthi Carbolas). 5 to 15 gr. 

Phenolid . 5 to 10 gr. 

Phenosal . 5 to 8 gr. 

Phesin . 8 to 15 gr. 

Phloridzin (Phlorizin) . 15 to 30 gr. 

Phospho-Albumen . 5 to 15 gr. 

Phosphorus .1-120 to 1-50 gr. 

Physostigmina (Eserin) .1-200 to 1-60 gr. 

Physostigminae Salicylas .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Sulphas .1-120 to 1-60 gr. 

Phytolaccin . 1 to 3 gr. 

Phytoline . 5 to 15 min. 

Picrotoxinum . 1-60 to 1-20 gr. 

Pilocarpinae Hydrochloras . 1-60 to V 2 gr. 

Piperazinum . 5 to 10 gr. 

Piperidin Guaiacolas . 5 to 10 gr. 

Piperinum . 1 to 8 gr. 

Plumbi Acetas . V 2 to 3 gr. 

Iodidum . X A to V 2 gr. 

Potassi Acetas . 5 to 60 gr. 

Arsenas .1-120 to 1-10 gr. 

Bichromas . 1-12 to % gr. 

Bromidum . 10 to 60 gr.* 

Carbonas . 2 to 20 gr. 

Chloras . 2 to 20 gr. 

Ferrocyanidum . 5 to 10 gr. 

Iodidum . 2 to 30 gr. 

Permanganas . V 2 to 3 gr. 

Salicylas . 5 to 15 gr. 

Protopin . 40 to 100 gr. 

Pulvis Antimonialis (James’ Powder). 3 to 10 gr. 

Elaterini Compositus . V 2 to 5 gr. 

Ipecacuanhae et Opii (Dover’s Powder) 2 to 15 gr. 

Jalapae Compositus . 10 to 60 gr. 

Morphinae Compositus (Tully’s Powder) 5 to 15 gr. 

Rhei Compositus (Gregory’s Powder). . 20 to 60 gr. 

Quinidinae Sulphas . 1 to 30 gr. 

Quininae Arsenias . % to 1 gr. 










































DOSE TABLE. 


40? 


Remedy. Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 

Quininae Bisulphas. 1 to 20 gr. 

Ferrocyanidum . 5 to 10 gr. 

Hydrobromas . 1 to 20 gr. 

Hydrochloras . 1 to 20 gr. 

Iodidum . 1 to 5 gr. 

Sulphas . 1 to 20 gr. 

Sulphocarbolas . 1 to 6 gr. 

Tannas . 1 to 6 gr. 

Valerianas . 1 to 3 gr. 

Salicylas . 1 to 5 gr. 

Resina Podophyllii . Vs to 1 gr. 

Resorcinum . 2 to 10 gr. 

Rubidii Bromidum . 2 to 10 gr. 

et Ammonii Bromidum. 1 to 15 gr. 

Iodidum . 1 to 5 gr. 

Saccharin (Glusidum, B. P.). 2 to 5 gr. 

Salacetol (Salantol) . 20 to 30 gr. 

Salfene . 5 to 10 gr. 

Salicinum . 5 to 30 gr. 

Saligenin . 5 to 30 gr. 

Salipyrin (Antipyrin Salicylas). 5 to 30 gr. 

Salocoll (Phenocoll Salicylas) . 3 to 30 gr. 

Salol . 3 to 30 gr. 

Salophen . 5 to 20 gr. 

Salvarsan (“606”) (intravenously). 10 gr. 

Sanguinarina . 1-12 to Vz gr. 

Sanguinarinae Nitras . 1-12 to Vz gr. 

Sulphas . 1-12 to Vz gr. 

Santoninum . 1 to 5 gr. 

Saponinum . Vz to 2 gr. 

Scoparin . Vz to 1 gr. 

Scopolaminae Hydrobromas (Hypoderm.) .. 1-250 to 1-60 gr. 

Sodii Acetas . 15 to 60 gr. 

Arsenas . 1-60 to 1-10 gr. 

Benzoas . 5 to 60 gr. 

Bromidum . 5 to 60 gr. 

Cacodylas (hypoderm.) 1 gr.(per ora) 3 gr. 

Glycerophosphas . 3 to 10 gr. 

Salicylas . 5 to 30 gr. 

Santonas . 1 to 10 gr. 

Sozoidolas . 5 to 30 gr. 

Sulphocarbolas . 5 to 30 gr. 

Sulphoichthyolas . 3 to 10 gr. 

Valerianas . 1 to 5 gr. 

Solanina .*. % to 1 gr. 














































408 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


Remedy. 

Somnal . 

Sparteinae Sulphas . 

Spiritus Aetheris Compositus. 

Nitrosi. 

Ammoniae Aromaticus . 

Camphorae . 

Chloroformi . 

Glonoini . 

Strontii Bromidum . 

Iodidum . 

Salicylas . 

Lactas . 

Strophanthin . 

Strychnina . 

Strychninae Arsenas . 

Nitras . 

Sulphas .. 

Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici.. 

Allii . 

Ferri Iodidi . 

Ipecacuanhae . 

Mangani Iodidi .. 

Scillae . 

Compositus . 

Sulphonal . 

Svapnia . 

Tannalbin . 

Tannigen . 

Tannopin (Tannone) . 

Terebenum . 

Terpini Hydras . 

Terpinol . 

Tetronal . 

Thallin . 

Thallinae Sulphas . 

Tartras . 

Thebain . 

Theina (Hypoderm.) . 

Theobromin . 

Theobrominae Lithium Salicylas 

pherin) . 

Sodio-Salicylas (Diuretin) ... 
Thermol .-. 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


15 

to 

30 

min. 

MO 

to 

% 

gr ; 

5 

to 

60 

min. 

Vz 

to 

O 

4 

dr. 

15 

to 

60 

min. 

5 

to 

40 

min. 

10 

to 

60 

min. 

1 

to 

3 

min. 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

5 

to 

60 

gr. 

5 

to 

15 

gr. 

1 

to 

10 

gr - 

-120 

to ; 

1-60 

gr. 

1-60 

to 1-12 

gr. 

1-60 

to 1-12 

gr. 

1-60 

to 1-12 

gr. 

1-60 

to 1-12 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

3 

dr. 

1 

to 

4 

dr. 

5 

to 

30 

min. 

% 

to 

6 

dr. 

10 

to 

30 

min. 

30 

to 

60 

min. 

10 

to 

30 

min. 

10 

to 

40 

gr. 

% 

to 

3 

gr. 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

2 

to 

10 

gr. 

3 

to 

15 

gr. 

2 

to 

20 

min. 

2 

to 

10 

gr. 

3 

to 

5 

gr. 

10 

to 

30 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

8 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

8 

gr. 

y 2 

to 

8 

gr. 

% 

to 

1 

gr. 

1-6 

to 

1 

gr. 

5 

to 

15 

gr. 

5 

to 

15 

gr. 

5 

to 

20 

gr. 

3 

to 

6 

gr. 












































DOSE TABLE. 


409 


Remedy. 


Thiocol . 5 to 

Thiol . 2 to 

Thymol . y 2 to 

Thymus Gland . 4 to 

Dried, Powdered . 3 to 

Thyreoids . 2 to 

Thyrogiandin . 3 to 

Tinctura Aconiti . 1 to 

Fleming. x / 2 to 

Ailanthi . 10 to 

Baptisiae . 5 to 

Belladonnae Foliorum . 1 to 

Berberis Vulgaris . 10 to 

Boldi . 10 to 

Bryoniae . 5 to 

Cannabis Indica . 5 to 

Cantharidis . 1 to 

Capsici . 10 to 

Catechu Composita . 10 to 

Chloroformi Composita . 20 to 

Cimicifugae . 5 to 

Colchici Seminis . 10 to 

Conii . 5 to 

Digitalis . 5 to 

Gelsemii . 5 to 

Hyoscyami . 10 to 

Iodi . 1 to 

Ipecacuanhae . 2 to 

Ipecacuanhas etOpii(Liq’d Dover’s Powd.) 2 to 

Lobelia . 5 to 

Nucis Vomicae . 5 to 

Opii (Laudanum) . 3 to 

Camphoratae (child. 3 to 30 drops). 1 to 
Compositus (Squibb) . Vz to 


Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum. 


Deodorata . 

Physostigmatis . 5 

Simuli . % 

Stramonii . 5 


to 
to 
to 
to 

Strophanthi . 2 to 

Sumbul . 15 to 

Veratri Viridis . 1 t0 

Tolysal (Tolypyrin Salicylas). 5 to 

Tribromphenol Bismuth (Xeroform) . 8 to 


20 gr. 
10 gr. 

2 gr. 
10 gr. 
10 gr. 

5 gr. 

5 gr. 

5 min. 
2 min. 
120 min. 
30 min. 
20 min. 
60 min. 
20 min. 
30 min. 
60 min. 
20 min. 
60 min. 
60 min. 
60 min. 
60 min. 
60 min. 
30 min. 
30 min. 
15 min. 
30 min. 
5 min. 
15 min. 
15 min. 
30 min. 
20 min. 
20 min. 
dr. 
dr. 
20 min. 
30 min. 
2 dr. 
20 mia 
10 min. 
60 min. 
5 min. 
30 gr. 
15 gr. . 


4 

1 











































410 A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 

Remedy. . Dose. 

Minimum. Maximum 

Trimethylaminae Hydrochloras . 1 to 3 gr. 

Tri-nitrinum. See Nitroglycerin. 

Trional . 10 to 30 gr. 

Triphenin . 4 to 15 gr. 

Tuberculin (Koch) .1-250 to 1-60 gr. 

Tussol (Antipyrin Mandelate). 1-20 to 8 gr. 

Uranii Nitras . ^4 to Vz gr. 

Urea . 15 to 30 gr. 

Urethanum . 10 to 30 gr. 

Uropherin . 5 to 15 gr. 

Urotropin (Aminoform) . 5 to 30 gr. 

Veratrin (resinoid) . Vs to Vz gr. 

Veratrina . 1-60 to 1-10 gr. 

Vinum Antitnonii . 1 to 20 min. 

Colchici Radicis . 5 to 20 min. 

Seminis . 20 to 60 min. 

Ergotae . 1 to 4 dr. 

Ipecacuanhae . 1 to 60 min. 

Opii (Sydenham’s Laudanum). 3 to 20 min. 

Xeroform (Tribromphenol Bismuth). 8 to 15 gr. 

Xylol . 5 to 20 min. 

Zinci Acetas . Vz to 2 gr. 

Bromidum . Vz to 2 gr. 

Cyanidum . 1-10 to 1 gr. 

Iodidum . Vz to 2 gr. 

Phosphidum . 1-20 to 1-10 gr. 

Sulphas . 10 to 30 gr. 

Sulphoichthyolas . Vz to 1 gr. 

Sulphocarbolas .. 1 to 4 gr. 

Valerianas . Vz to 3 gr. 


THE ANTIDOTE BAG. 

In addition to materials for an emergency uranalysis, an 
antidote bag should contain: the arsenic antidote in two solu¬ 
tions, chloroform, ether, magnesia, magnesium sulphate, old 
oil of turpentine, tannic acid, animal charcoal, zinc sulphate, 
copper sulphate, ipecacuanha, castor oil, acetic acid, chloral, 
potassium permanganate, solution of potash, hydrogen per¬ 
oxide, saponin, tincture of aconite, amyl nitrite pearls, alcohol, 
• brandy, aromatic spirit of ammonia, hypodermic tablets of pilo¬ 
carpine nitrate, morphine sulphate, atropine sulphate, apomor- 
phine hydrochlorate, strychnine sulphate, digitalin, nitro-> 
glycerine. A hypodermic syringe, stomach tube, mouth gag, 
tongue f orceps. fountain syringe, infusion apparatus, catheter, 
*tc. 
































411 


TABLE OF MAXIMUM DAILY DOSES. 

(Total of safety in 24 hours.) (Arranged from P. G., Merck, etc.) 


/ ■ ' 1 — ~ " - ■ " ' 

Medicine. 


Acetanilid... 

Acid, Arsenous.... 

“ Carbolic. 

“ Hydrobromic, Dil. 

“ Iodic. . 

“ Valerianic... 

Adonidin. 

Agaricin .. 

Aloin. 

Amylene Hydrate. 

Antifebrin... 

Apiol, crystallized (solid Parsley-camphor) 

Apocodeine. 

Apomorphine Hydrochlorate. 

Asparagin..... 

Atropine Sulphate.. 

Baptisin.. 

Benzene (Benzol). 

Berberine Hydrochlorate.. 

Butyl-chloral Hydrate.. 

Cannabine Tannate... 

Cannabinon . 

Cerium Oxalate..... 

Chrysarobin...• • • 

Cocaine Hydrochlorate.... 

Colocynthin.... 

Coniine Hydrobromate. 

Convallamarin. •••• 

Copper Arsenite... 

Cotoin .... 

Creosote...... 

Daturine.. 

Digitalin (French) (Merck).. 

Digitalis, Infusion . 

“ Extract... 

“ Tincture... 

Digitoxin.. 

Duboisine.. 

Euonymin (the pure Resinoid!). 

Fluid Extract: Boldo. 

u 44 Golden Seal (Hydrastis). 


In a Day. 
Grains. 


60 

1 

9 

10 Drachms 
18 

40 Drops 

1 

2 

10 

120 m. 

60 

60 

H 

So 

20 

180 m. 

45 
60 -f- 
40 
4^ 

15 

X 

6 

2 

H 

5 

1 

10 

15 m. -f- 
As 
As 

3 Ounces 
12 

2X Drachms 

As 

So 

15 

45 m. 

150 
















































412 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY, 


TABLE OF MAXIMUM DAILY DOSES. (Continued). 


Medicine. 


In a Day. 
Grains. 


Fluid Extract of Grindelia Robusta ..... 

** “ Kava-Kava (Piper Methysticum). 

“ u Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis) 

“ “ Piscidia (Jamaica Dogwood). 

Fuchsine. . . 

Gelseminine Hydrochlorate... 

Guaiacol. 

Guaiacol Carbonate. 

Homatropine Hydrobromate ; or Sulphate .. 

Hydroquinone tHydrochinone). 

Hyoscine Hydrochlorate. 

Hyoscj'amine Sulphate. 

Hypnone (Aceto-phenone). 

Ichthyol.... 

Iodine Trichloride. 

Iodothyrine. 

Menthol... 

Mercury Bichloride. 

“ Cyanide. 

Methylene Blue (Medicinal). 

N aphtalene.... 

Naphtol, Beta-... 

Nickel Bromide. 

Nitroglycerine. 

Nux Vomica, Extract. 

Opium, Extract (aq.). 

Paraldehyde... 

Pelletierine Sulphate ; or Tannate. 

Phenacetin. ..... 

Picrotoxin... 

Piperin. 

Resorcin. 

Salol...... 

Silver Cyanide. 

“ Iodide. 

Solanine... 

Sparteine Sulphate. 

Strophanthin. . 

Sulphonal. 

Terpin Hydrate . 

Terpinol.... 

Thalline Sulphate. 

Tincture of Strophanthus. 


300 M. 

30 m. 

30 m. 

225 m. 

12 

Ya 

8 m. 4- 
'30-1-90 

A 

30 -t- 
* o 4* 
4o 4- 
23 
60 
m 

40 

30-1-90 

X 

X 

15 

90 

30 

23 

A 

3 

5 

3 Drachms 
75 
75 

X 

18 

150 

150 

X 

24- 

7X 

2 

A 

120 

45 

45 

24 

30 M. 


4~ Means dose may be develoDed higher. 






































































































ARTIFICIAL FEEDING OF INFANTS* 

Milk-Mixtures—Bottle Feedings* 

Compiled and Charted by ALBERT H. BRUNDAGE, M.D., New York City 


ARTIFICIAL FEEDING OF INFANTS 412 a 


CO 

<M 

05 


*9jc|'B9oiaj 9S pnnoj 9q ppioqs 9jn;xim ( 9^0 jfj 993 ) Aip v jo 9sn 9qi jo %i 
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aqp Suionpaj jo ‘dn pi Sutqeqg ojojaq ajppoq iCjiep aqp raojj tneajo aqp jo saonno 
Aauonbajj jo pjBqo siqp jo suotsiAOJd aqp jo uoipBOijrpoui XjBiodaiap ‘uoipsaSrpai 

spooj XjBipxnB qons ainos SuuBdajd ni aqnn BnoipippB jo uoipejodjoom jo asn s 
•sSutpaaj (‘opa ‘[Babaa ‘qoeqapttz ‘pseop ‘qsnj) pooj XjBqp 
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jCj3a b joj -ajoni paau uaAa Abot saiqcq a’uios pao pajaptsuoo aq psnm spaajja p 
Xpio pasBajom aq op ojb puB ‘spqSiaM.’ pue bo3b aAtpaadsaj aqp pB sajn3g 3uuiui3; 
c pBqp jou ‘papiAOjd snqp jjb aqep jjiaa. Aqeq Ajoao pBqp papaadxa pou si pj ’Snip 
ajqepms b ‘(dna jo) ajppoq raojj ‘Ajunuipjo ‘uiBpqo op qoiqii uiojj ajnpxica-qpra 


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Calories 

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0 0 0 to 
co »o 0 co 

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sjnoq fz joj pajbdajd 
aq op ajnpxtjy-qjijy 
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Ounces 

0 

0 

CQ 

21 to 25 

21 to 26 

22 to 28 

24 to 30 

26 to 32 

24 to 30 

26 to 31 

28 to 34 

30 to 38 


(^JUBUipjO) 
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Ounces 

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1 

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0 

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'MT 9 0! 1 'Wd 9 “OJT 

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Feedings 







• ajnpxxpq-qiijq -jq-p S 

B JOJ asopjBjAj upxaQ 
jo punotQB umdnxBjq 

Level 

Tablespoonfuls 

None 

None 

s 

1 

■Vi *0 Vi 

TTTT 

^ <M CQ <M 

1' 

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lO 

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1 

10 1 

rH 

trs' lOONOO I 

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r—l *-H y—i 


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Ounces 


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CO 

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to N OO 05 

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412 £ 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


saotsiAojd aqj ‘pajmbajajB sBuipaaj-apjjoq ‘uosbsj jaqjo Aub joj jo ‘AqBq joq osjtui oj a|qBun aq. 

1 sb pae qj3uajjs m jou ji ApjuBnb ni jBnpBjS aq ppioqs sSuipaoj jbuuou asaqj o; ujnjaj aqj^ J 

•AjBssaoau aq Abui atmj b joj ajrijxim-jprai aqj ui pasn jb3iis jo jnnoms 
toraranqg jo qjojq jo pnj3 qsaAX jo uoijnjtjsqna aqj jo qj3uajj's m sdBqjad saipjuBnb oj sb jsbsi jb 
iojj jo pupj Aub jo 3muosiod jo uoijboixojui sisooixoj b uiojj Suuajjns asoqj—saiqBq qois joq 

•oja ‘Aaq.w ‘jaqnrif ‘pjBjsna sb 

j AjBpixnB uo asn aajj joj ajnjxrtn-qpin aqj jo Aqjuunb jBuoijgjpB ub ajmbaj ApunpujS Abjaj (a) 
m (q) -ajnjxnn jaqou b— (niBaja AjiabjS) (i qgui doj„ asn oj ajqBJisap aq Abjm (b) 

jajBajS aq paM jq3im o3b uaAiS b jb sauojBa pajmbaj aqj AqBq (i pqos„ jo pauoq-a3jB[ ,/AjjBaq,, 
AijsaSiQ -uaqBj si ajnSg JaqSiq aqj uiqjiM. ajnjxrra Suojjs Ajjibj oujo’q-qoAi b pjun A[iBp -zo j o; z/[ 
xira-qipn aqj aqBin oj qqui joj a .ins'g jaAxoj aqj, 'pjnoqs sAbaijb jsbo[ jb jo ‘pjnoqa ‘saop oqAi AqBq 
‘3aipaaj jbujob jo sajnurin (og jsom aqj jb jo) gj niqjiAV ^spaau puB sjubm,, siq joj pooj jo juuouib 
‘jqgiaii puB 83b aAtjaadsaj aqj jb ‘AqBq paM AjBUipjo aqj 3uiqsiujnj joj sapu'ojd jjBqa siqj, * 

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CHEST MEASUREMENTS 


412c 


CHEST MEASUREMENT AND HEIGHT RANGE OF BOYS 

AND GIRLS 


Compiled by Albert H. Brundage, M.D., by comparing and averaging 
the reports and opinions of various leading American writers and 
observers. 


BOYS 


Age 

Years 

Height Range 
(Ordinary 
extremes from 
shortest to 
tallest at re¬ 
spective age) 

Inches 

Chest 

Circum¬ 

ference 

Inches 

5 

7 

224 

6 

10 

23 

7 

13 

23 3^ 

8 

12 

244 

9 

11 

25 

10 

13 

2534 

11 

15 

264 

12 

12 

27 

13 

16 

2734 

14 

19 

284 

15 

# . 

30 



GIRLS 


Age 

Height Range 
(Ordinary 

Chest 

'extremes from 
shortest to 
tallest at re¬ 
spective age) 

Circum¬ 

ference 

Years 

Inches 

Inches 

5 

7 

22 

6 

10 

23 

7 

13 

•234 

8 

12 

23 4 

9 

11 

24 4 

10 

12 

24 4 

11 

15 

254 

12 

15 

264 

13 

16 

28 

14 

16 

29 

15 

• • 

304 


HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS OF BOYS AND GIRLS, 2 to 16 

YEARS OF AGE 

Compiled by Albert H. Brundage, M.D., by comparing and averaging 
the reports and opinions of various leading American writers and 
observers. 


BOYS 

GIRLS 

Age 

Height 

Weight 

Age 

Height 

W eight 


General 

General 


General 

General 


Average 

Average 


Average 

Average 

Years 

Inches 

Pounds 

Y cars 

Inches 

Pounds 

2 

334 

27 

2 

324 

26 

3 

37 

32 

3 

354 

31 

4 

39 

36 

4 

384 

35 

5 

414 

41 

5 

41 

40 

6 

44 

45 

6 

43 4 

434 

7 

45 4 

49 

7 

454 

48 

8 

474 

534 

8 

474 

524 

9 

49 4 

594 

9 

494 

574 

10 

514 

654 

10 

514 

63 

11 

53 4 

71 

11 

534 

694 

12 

554 • 

78 

12 

•56 

80 

13 

574 

85 

13 

584 

90 

14 

60 

96 

14 

60 

99 

15 

624 

1074 

15 

614 

107 

16 

65 

1214 

16 

614 

1124 ‘ 






















































KEY TO URANALYSIS. 


413 


KEY TO URANALYSIS. 

(For exclusion purposes in toxicological investigations.) 

Fresh Normal Urine: Amber-colored, transparent, aromatic odor, bitter 
saline taste, acid reaction, specific gravity, 1018 to 1022 . Consists “chiefly of a 
solution of urea and certain organic and inorganic salts, holding in suspension 
epithelial cells and mucus.” Composition not constant, but influenced by amount 
of water and other fluids taken, by temperature of skin, by emotions, local or 
general blood pressure, by amount of work done, time of day, age, sex, medicine, 
etc. (Condensed from Bartley.) 

CLEAR LIQUID PORTION OF URINE. 

(Adapted by the author.) 

If urine dark colored and specific gravity high, it indicates urea, uric acid or 
blood ; if urine light colored, indicates sugar. When specific gravity is more than 
1025 — 

If gives crystals with nitric acid, indicates urea. 

If gives reaction by Trommer’s test or fermentation, indicates sugar. 

If is neutral or feebly acid, precipitates on boiling and precipitate is soluble 
in nitric acid, indicates earthy phosphates. If this last precipitate is not soluble 
in nitric acid, indicates albumin. 

If hydrochloric acid gives needle-shaped crystals, indicates hippuric acid. 

If is high colored and boiling produces coagula, indicates blood. 

If gives red color with hydrochloric acid, indicates excess of coloring 
matter. (Urorrhodin.) 

If color changes upon adding nitric acid (iridescent), indicates bile. 


White 

Deposit. 


deposit 
is Crys¬ 
talline. 


Insoluble on heating. - 


Urine, 

Acid. 


URINARY DEPOSITS. (Bartley). 

Chemical Examination. 

Draw off a portion of the sediment with a pipette or glass tube, and transfer 
to a watch-glass or small test-tube. 

'Dissolves on heating urine.. . Ammonium urate. 

'Sol. in NH 4 OH,.. . Cystin. 

{ Soluble in acetic acid. 
Earthy Phosphates. 
Insoluble in acetic acid, 
Calciu m oxalate or 
oxalurate. 

Gelatinizes in NH 4 OH, Pus (see above). 
Yellow, cross or whetstone shaped, or in groups, Uric acid. 
Regular octahedra, envelope-shaped, . . Calcium oxlate. 

Hexagonal plates, soluble in NH 4 OH (white), . Cystin. 
_ Bundles of needles crossing each other, . . . . Tyrosin. 

' Large prisms, soluble in aeetic acid (coffin-lid shaped), 
Ammonium magnesium phosphate. 
Brown, double spheres, s\>\cx>\dL.\x.'}i,Urate of ammonium. 
Club-shaped' crystals, single or in groups, Calcium 
phosphate. 

Double spheres, radiated structure Soluble in acetic 
acid with effervescence, Calcium carbonate (rare). 
Double spheres, insoluble in acetic acid, Calcium oxal- 
urate (rare). 

Double spheres, yellow or red, striated, . . Uric acid. 

'Red or yellow discs, biconcave; sometimes irregular in outline, 
Blood-cells. 

Granulated corpuscles. With ) Albumin present, .... Pus. 
diluted acetic acid, show 3 > Albumin absent, Mucous cortms- 
to 5 nuclei, I cles. 

Round, conical, or flat cells with one nucleus, Epithelium from 
urinary tract. 

Tadpole-shape, with long tail (small), .... Spermatozoa. 
Cylinders, parallel margins, clear, granular, or containing, epi¬ 
thelial cells or blood-cells, . . . Casts 0 /uriniferous tubules. 

.Fungi, yeast, hairs, threads, etc., etc. • Extraneous matters . 


Alkaline 

Urine. 


C«llalar 

Elements. 










414 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


KEY TO URANALYSIS. (Continued.) 


Colored 

Deposit. 


Visibly crystalline (red),. Uric acid. 

Pale, easily soluble by heat,. Urates 

Deep-colored, slowly soluble by heat, Acid urates with 
uroerythrin. 

Red, insoluble by heat, alkalies, or acids, . . . Blood. 


Amorphous, 


Microscopical Examination. 


With a clean pipette draw of? a small portion of the sediment, transfer to a 
clean glass slide, and examine with a J4*in. or M-in. objective. A cover-glass 
may be dispensed with. 

'Small granules with spicules on larger / ,• c _ ,■ . 

Deposit is granules; vanishes on adding KOH - , — . lum ura e • 

Amor- - orNaOH.. Hark =Ammonium urate. 

pkous. Permanent on adding KOH or NaOH, Calcium carbonate (rare). 

Globules, strongly refracting light,. Fat. 


ABNORMAL CONSTITUENTS FOUND IN URINE 

' (adapted) 

“Albumin. —Often present in parenchymatous nephritis, 
Bright’s disease, poisoning by certain substances, rheumatism, 
infectious fevers, after violent exercise, etc. 

Sugar. —Present in diabetes; a very small quantity may 
sometimes be present temporarily after pneumonia, typhus, 
rheumatism, affections of the brain and spinal cord after ex¬ 
cessive eating of carbo-hydrates, etc. 

Leucin and Tyro sin. —In acute atrophy of liver, and in 
poisoning by phosphorus. 

Pus. —Present in pyelitis, renal abscess, urethritis, cystitis, 
prostatitis, or discharge into the urinary canal of a peri- 
nephritic, pelvic, or other abscess. May also be of vaginal 
origin (in gonorrhea). 

Blood. —From hemorrhage in urethra, neck of bladder, ure¬ 
ters, kidneys, genital tract, or external sources. 

Acetone. —In diabetes, hydrophobia, and certain febrile con¬ 
ditions. 

Diacetic Acid. —Mental diseases with excitement, inanition, 
carcinoma, and particularly diabetes. 

Indican. —Minute quantities present in normal urine, but 
greatly increased by intestinal obstruction, diseases of liver 
which interfere with bile formation, etc.; also by use of sul¬ 
phur baths, in Addison’s disease, and in early stages of cholera; 
also in auto-intoxication, and it is said in terminable pregnancy. 

Ammonium Carbonate. —Vesical catarrh. 

Hydrogen Sulphide. —Sometimes present in albuminous urine 
from decomposition of albuminous matter within the bladder 

Bile. —Defective bile excretion; jaundice, hepatic congestion 
and cirrhosis, malarial and other high fevers.” 









APPROXIMATE MEASURES. 


415 


TABLES. 


APPROXIMATE MEASURES. 


1 minim varies from 1 to 2 drops; 

1 fluid drachm equals about 1 teaspoonful (cochlear parvum); 

2 “ “ “ 1 dessertspoonful (cochlear me<- 

dium); 


4 *• or 

^ fluid ounce “ 

2 " •• 

4 « «« 

6 “ •• 

8 “ •• 

1 pint ** 

2 pints ** 


** 1 tablespoonful (cochlear mag¬ 

num); 

'* 1 wineglassful (cyathus vinarius); 

*• 1 small teacupful or gill; teacup 

(poculum); 

" 1 ordinary teacupful; 

*' 1 coffee cupful {}A pt.), 1 tum¬ 

blerful; 

** 1 pound (of water); pound (libra); 

“ 1 liter or kilogram of water. 


The number of drops in 20 minims of the following: 


Acids: Drops. 

Acetic . 40 

Hydrocyanic . 15 

Hydrochloric . 18 

Nitric Dilute. 17 

Sulphuric . 30 

Sulphuric Dilute.. 17 

Aether . 50 

Fowler’s Solution . 19 

Oils: 

Essential oils of vegetables. 40 

Tinctures: of all vegetables. 40 

Vinegars . 26 

Water: 

Distilled ... 

Strong water of ammonia. 18 

Dilute water of ammonia. 15 


Wines: 

Of Antimony. 24 

Of Colchicum . 25 

Of Opium. 26 


Number of drops will also vary according to size of neck 
and flange of vessel from which the fluid is dropped. 



















416 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


APOTHECARIES WEIGHT. 

20 grains make one scruple ; 

3 scruples “ drachm (60 grains) ; 

8 drachms “ ounce (480 grains) ; 

12 ounces “ pound (5760 grains). 


1 lb. = 12 ounces = 96 drachms = 288 scruples = 5,760 grains 

1 ounce = 8 drachms = 24 scruples = 480 grains 

1 drachm = 3 scruples = 60 grains 

1 scruple = 20 grains 

TROY WEIGHT. 

24 grains make one pennyweight; 

20 pennyweights “ ounce (480 grains); 

12 ounces “ pound (5760 grains). 

AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT. 

1 lb. = 16 ounces = 256 drachms = 7,000 grains; 

1 ounce = 16 drachms = 437)^ grains; 

1 drachm = 27 3-10 grains. 

1 grain Troy = 97-100 grain Avoirdupois. 

U. S. OR APOTHECARIES MEASURE. 

Pint. Fluid ounce. Fluid drachm. Minim. 
Gallon = 8 = fluid oz. 128 = fluid drm. 1024 = minim 61440; 

1 = fluid oz. 16 = fluid drm. 128 = minim 7680; 

fluid oz. 1 = fluid drm. 8 = minim 480; 

fluid drm. 1 = minim 60. 

WEIGHT OF WATER. 

At 60° F. the U. S. fluid ounce of distilled water weigh! 
455.7 grains. The British fluid ounce 437.5 grains. 

COMPARISONS. 

i minim of water weighs 0.95 grain; equals 0.0616 c.c. 

1 fluid ounce—wine measure 29.57 c.c. 

1 fluid ounce—imperial 28.4 c.c. 

1 fluid ounce of water, wine measure at 6o° F. equals 437.5 gr. 

1 pint—wine measure equals 16 fluid ounces. 

1 pint—Imperial (British) equals 20 fluid ounces. 

I quart—wine measure (32 fluid ozs.) equals 58.30 cu. in. 

I quart (imperial) (40 fluid ozs.) equals 69.97 cu. in. 

I gallon (wine) equals 231 cu. in., (imper’l) equals 277.27 cu. in. 
1 kilogram equals 1000 grams or 2.7 lbs. Troy. 

I ton—Avoirdupois (2000 lbs. equals 29,167 ozs. Troy. 

1 milliliter (mil.) equals 1 cubic centimeter; equals the measure 
of one gram of water. 




METRIC MEASURES. 


417 


1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 


METRIC MEASURES. 


LENGTH. 

meter equals. 

decimeter equals. 

centimeter equals . 

millimeter equals . 

decameter equals . 

hectometer equals. 

kilometer equals . 

myriameter equals.. 

WEIGHT. 

gramme equals. 

decigramme equals . 

centigram equals . 

decagramme equals.. 

hectogramme equals . 


.. 39,368 inches. 

.. 3.9368 inches. 

,. .39368 inch. 

.. .039268 of an inch. 
.. 393.68 inches. 

.. 3,936.8 inches. 

.. 39,368 inches. 

. .393,680 inches 

.. 15.434 grains. 

.. 1.5434 grains. 

.. .15434 of a grain. 

154.340 grains. 
1,543,402 grains. 


MEASURE. 

litre equals 2.113 pints or 15,434 grains. 61.027 cu. in.* 
decilitre equals 3.381 fluid ounces or 1,543.4 grains, 
centilitre equals 2.705 fluid drachms or 154.34 grains, 
millilitre equals 16.231 minims or 15.434 grains, 
decaliter equals 2.641 Cong’s or 154,340 grains, 
hectoliter equals 26.419 C. or 1,543,000 grains, 
kiloliter equals 264.19 C. 

myrialiter equals 2,641.9 C. "About 34 oz. 


METRIC EQUIVALENTS 


Troy 

Metric gm. 

Troy 

Metric gm. 

Troy 

Metric gm. 

gr. 1- 

.0.065 

gr. 1/16 . 

_0.004 

gr. 1/100 

_0.00065 

gr. 3/4 . . 

.0.049 

gr. 1/20 . 

_0.0032 

gr. 1/120 

_0.00054 

gr. 2/3 . . 

.0.043 

gr. 1/24 . 

_0.0027 

gr. 1/130 

_0.0005 

gr. 1/2 .. 

.0.032 

gr. 1/25 . 

_0.0026 

gr. 1/150 

_0.00043 

gr. 1/3 .. 

.0.022 

gr. 1/30 . 

_0.0022 

gr. 1/180 

_0.00036 

gr. 1/4 . . 

.0.016 

gr. 1/32 . 

_0.002 

gr. 1/200 

....0.00032 

gr. 1/5 . . 

.0.013 

gr. 1/40 . 

_0.0016 

gr. 1/240 

_0.00027 

gr. 1/6 . . 

.0.011 

gr. 1/50 . 

_0.0013 

gr. 1/250 

_0.00026 

gr. 1/7 . . 

.0.009 

gr. 1/60 . 

_0.00108 

gr. 1/300 

_0.00022 

gr. 1/8 . . 

.0.008 

gr. 1/64 . 

_0.001 

gr. 1/400 

_0.00016 

gr. 1/10 . 

.0.0065 

gr. 1/75 . 

_0.00086 

gr. 1/500 

_0.00013 

gr. 1/12 . 

.0.0054 

gr. 1/80 . 

_0.00081 



gr. 1/15 . 

.0.0043 

gr. 1/96 . 

_0.00067 




The above tables give metric equivalents of Troy measures. 


To convert grammes into grains. X 15.432 

To convert grammes into ounces, avoirdupois. X 0.03527 

To convert kilogrammes into pounds. X 2.2046 

To convert grains into grammes. X 0.0648 

To convert avoirdupois ounces into grammes. X 28.35 

To convert troy ounces into grammes... X 31.104 

To convert cubic centimetres into U.S.A. fluid ounces... X 0.0338 

To convert litres into U.S.A. fluid ounces. X 33.814 

To convert fluid ounces into cubic centimetres. X 29.57 

To convert pints into litres. X 0.4732 

To convert metres into inches. X 39.37^ 

To convert inches into metres. X 0.025* 

l 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. 

L1 foot equals 34.48 “ 























































418 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


TEMPERATURE EQUIVALENTS 

l°Fahrenheit = 5-9° Centigrade = 4-9° Reaumer. To re¬ 
duce F. to C., subtract 32 from F. degrees given and divide 
remainder by 1.8. To reduce C. to F. multiply C. degrees 
given, by 1.8, and then add 32° to this; or, multiply by 2, 
deduct 1/10 of this product and add 32. 

PULSE TABLE. 

Giving Average Frequency at Different Ages (in health). 


In the foetus in ntero .. ’between 150 and 140 beats per minute 
In new-born infants.... “ 140 “ 130 

During 1st year.from 130 down to 115 

“ 2d “ . “ 115 “ 100 

“ 3d “ . “ 105 “ 95 

From 7th to 14th year... “ 90 “ 80 “ 

“ 14th to 21st “ ... “ 85 “ 75 

“ 21st to 60th “ ...between 75 and 79 

In old age. “ 75 “ 80 or more. 


The pulse is, as a rule, more frequent in females , by 10—15 
beats per minute; during and after exertion , unless long con¬ 
tinued; during digestion or mental excitement; generally, more 
frequent in the morning than later in the day. It is tempora¬ 
rily accelerated after sudden change of posture from the re¬ 
cumbent to the sitting, and from either to the standing posi¬ 
tion especially during convalescence and in other states where, 
the action of the heart is feeble. 

RESPIRATION AT VARIOUS AGES. 


No. Resps. per Min. 

No. 

Resps. per Min, 

First year . 

.35 

At puberty .. .. 

. 20 

Second year. 

.25 

Adult age . 

_18 to 20 

INCOME 

AND EXPENDITURES OF LIFE. 

Income. 

Grains. 

Expenditure. 

Grains. 

Solid food . 

.8,000 

Lungs give off. 

.20,000 

Water . 

.37,650 

Skin . 

.11,750 

Oxygen . 

.13,000 

Kidneys . 

.24,100 



Intestines . 

. 2,800 

Total . 

.58,650 





Total . 

.58,650 

“The body of a 

man weighing 148 pounds is 

made up as 


follows: Water, 90 pounds; living matter, 26 pounds; fat, 23 
pounds; minerals, 8.3 pounds. Food must construct this frame 
and must repair whatever losses it sustains. 























INKS. 


419 


“Nitrogenous foods are obtained from the juice of meat, the 
white of egg, the curd of milk, the legumen of peas and beans 
and the gluten of bread. These foods build up the living parts 
of the body, the cells and tissues. The fats are heat and 
energy producers. Starches and sugars are energy-makers in a 
less degree. Minerals form bone and are used by the body in 
many ways. Water is the most important food.” 

[Constituents of the body viewed from another angle:—Ac¬ 
cording to the Babylon Leader: “A scientist says each man 
contains the following ingredients: Fat enough for seven bars 
of soap. Iron enough for a medium-sized nail. Sugar 
enough to fill a shaker. Lime enough to whitewash a chicken 
coop. Phosphorus enough to make 220 matches.”—[Neverthe¬ 
less, some men make a poor match; so do some women.]— 
“Magnesium enough for a dose of magnesia. Potassium 
enough to explode a toy cannon. Sulphur enough to rid a 
dog of fleas. The whole collection is worth 98 cents. Even 
that is a high price to put on some men.”—[Probably a wo¬ 
man would be “worth two cents” more, at least, i. e., an even 
dollar, as she is commonly assumed to be of a finer nature.—] 

INKS 

Black Ink usually consists chiefly of a decoction of nutgalls 
mixed with a solution of copperas; or, of a mixture of gallate 
or tannate of iron and a few drops of acetic or hydrochloric 
acid or phenol to prevent precipitation or mold, and a solution 
of indigo-carmine or logwood extract to insure visibility; per¬ 
haps a gum to make it adhere without spreading. If the ink is 
concentrated, and glycerine, sugar, dextrin, etc., is added (to 
keep it moist), also much gum, it becomes a copying ink. 

Some black inks contain extract of logwood and potas¬ 
sium chromate, or sumac; others contain such blue or violet 
dye as an indulin (one of the quinone derivatives), or a 
nigrosin (produced by heating nitrobenze, or a nitrophenol, 
with an amin substance derived from ammonia) ; the latter 
variety, having no sediment, is much used for fountain pens. 
(Stains by these inks are quite readily removed, as a rule, 
by solutions of oxalic acid, chlorine or hydrochloric acid; but 
if India ink has been added, as is done sometimes, they are 
irremovably fixed). Aniline inks are now much used. The In¬ 
delible Inks (for marking clothes; etc.) are: Silver nitrate 
preparations (not quite indelible; removable by washing, after 
using potassium cyanide strong solution—very poisonous) ; an 
India Ink (Chinese or Japanese Ink) consisting commonly of 
a mixture of lamp black or burnt cork, gelatine and water; 
another India Ink is similar, but made from the ink of the 
cuttlefish, treated with caustic alkalies—a sepia; an ink con¬ 
sisting of a decoction of nutgalls with ammonium vanadate; 
and an ink, a mixture of gluten (from wheat) dissolved in 
vinegar and rubbed with lamp black (soot), or with India ink 
(Chlorine causes this ink to lose its color, but does not remove 
it from goods or paper). Marking ink for hand bags, etc.: 
Shellac 3 ozs., resin 8 ozs., dissolved in alcohol 1 pint, by 


419a 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


gentle heat for 14 hrs., while in closed bottle in water-bath. 
Shake well and stir in Frankfort black, or other color, 6 l /i ozs. 

Blue Ink commonly consists chiefly of Prussian blue (an 
iron salt combined with a solution of potassium ferrocyanide), 
with oxalic acid and water in varying proportions; also of a 
sodium or potassium salt of indigo extract, with water. 

Yellow Ink may be produced by boiling saffron, or gamboge. 

Green Ink is made, often, by mixing indigo-carmine with 
picric acid; or use chrome green, or aniline. 

Red Ink is made, usually, from the soluble (East India or 
tropical America) redwoods, or similar dye wood commonly 
known as Brazil wood. It is prepared by boiling the wood 
with alum, tartar (from grapes), and water, then adding tinc¬ 
ture of cochineal and gum arabic. Sometimes, to make red 
ink: Brazil wood is boiled with stannous chloride, and gum 
arabic added; or, Brazil wood, vinegar and alum are combined; 
or, carmine is dissolved in caustic ammonia (1 to 120) and 
gum arabic is added. 

Printing Ink is composed, commonly, of a mixture of yel¬ 
low soap, boiled linseed oil, or hempseed oil, lamp black and 
varnish (or such drier as lead acetate, manganese borate or 
dioxide, or litharge). To secure other colors of printer’s ink: 
Lead chromate for a yellow ink, vermilion for a red ink, or an 
ultramarine for a blue or purple ink, may replace the lamp 
black. Lithographic Ink contains equal parts of soap, shellac, 
wax, tallow and pitch. 

The Sympathetic or Invisible Inks often consist of a color¬ 
less vegetable juice, or lemon juice, to be made visible by press¬ 
ing the writing with a hot iron; milk, visible upon rubbing 
with soot; or a weak solution made from nutgalls, to be made 
visible (black or brown) by a solution of copperas; or, a 
solution of cobalt chloride, with or without nickel chloride, to 
be made visible by heat—with nickel chloride, turns green; 
without, turns blue; or, a weak aqueous solution of gold 
chloride or silver nitrate, to be made visible (blackish or pur¬ 
plish) by exposure to light and the application of heat—these 
must be kept from the light until time to be read. Solutions 
of lead acetate and of cobalt salts are used, also. 

STAINS 

The stain of the ordinary black or blue ink containing iron, 
or an iron rust, may be removed, usually, from cloth, by using 
a warm 10% to 20% watery solution of acetic acid mixed 
with about an equal amount of a (one dram to the pint) watery 
solution of oxalic acid, then freely washing with water. 

Sometimes the stain will yield to the following method: 
Apply common table salt; then rub with the juice of a freshly 
cut lemon; then hold it in the steam of a tea kettle nozzle; 
apply blotting paper to absorb the ink. Repeat the whole 
process if necessary, and wash freely. 

Laundrymen, cleaners, dyers, and others have worked out 
or confirmed many of the following facts:—(Most of the 
large city laundries, including, to the author’s personal knowl¬ 
edge, his own family’s laundry, pursue the sa : me general meth- 


STAINS. 


41% 


ods in removing stains. The whole matter is largely one of 
familiarity with chemical action, associated with a fair knowl¬ 
edge of fabrics.) Silver nitrate stains are best removed 
from cotton or linen, by immersing the goods in a saturated 
solution of sodium hyposulphite (photographers’ film-fixing 
salt), or in Javelle water and then removing the resulting 
silver chloride with weak ammonia water. From silk and 
wool the stain may be removed by using sodium or potas¬ 
sium cyanide solution (a dram to the pint) and thoroughly 
rinsing the fabric with warm water; but the cyanide poison is 
too dangerous and deadly for ordinary domestic use. 

To remove stains of aniline inks, dyes and blueing (from 
linen or cotton) use Javelle water or Labarraque’s solution; 
or, a potassium permanganate solution (1 oz. to the gallon). 

Sodium bisulphite (saturated solution) and powdered zinc 
oxide (used together but put in separate bags to prevent the 
sodium settling on and staining the goods) will sometimes re¬ 
move aniline stains when other measures fail. 

To remove such stains (from silk or wool) use the perman¬ 
ganate solution or hydrogen peroxide solution. Javelle water is a 
strong bleaching agent and should be used, usually, with an 
equal quantity of hot water. At it will remove the dye from 
colored goods it should not be used on such articles; and it 
should not be used on silk or wool as it will destroy the fibers. 
It will remove stains on cotton and linen resulting from cor¬ 
rosive sublimate mixtures. In using it, the stained part of the 
article should be immersed in it for a few minutes; the stain 
should then fade out. The article should then be rinsed in 
several waters to get out all of the Javelle water; put a few 
drops of ammonia in the next to the last rinsing, then rinse 
in much clear water. 

The standard washing process of the national laundrymen’s 
organization it appears usually removes aniline stains, ultra- 
marine blueing, indelible pencil (in cotton or linen) egg or 
other albumin, medicines of an organic nature, grease, grass (in 
cotton or linen), fruit or tobacco (in cotton or linen), cream 
and ice cream, mildew, mud, syrup, tea, coffee and some 
other stains. Stains from medicines containing iron 
or silver, first treated as of such alone are then best well 
washed. The standard, and similar washing processes seem 
to consist mainly of a series of baths, in conjunction with 
salts and solutions, about as follows: Treatment for Cotton 
and Linen:—“1st bath: Luke warm water. 2d bath: Hot 
water and soap solution (25 lbs. soap, 8 lbs. soda ash [washing 
soda], water to make 100 gals.). 3rd bath: Repeat 2d. 4th 
bath: Hot water and soda, ash. 5th bath: Hot water. 6th 
bath: Hot water, rinse. (If white goods, add Javelle bath.) 7th 
bath: Hot water and acetic acid (5% to 20% solution). 8th 
bath: Hot water, blueing. 9th bath : Cold water, rinse. For 
Woolens :—Nearly same temperature to be used throughout— 
1st bath: Luke warm soap bath. 2d bath: Luke warm water; 
rince. For Silks:—Neutral soap, and water not over 
100°F. No soda ash or Javelle water. If white goods, sodium 
bisulphite, also acetic acid (5 to 20% solution), may be used. 


420 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


(When a straining substance has been dissolved or loosened 
by a reagent, it should be absorbed promptly by thick muslin 
or blotting paper placed in contact with it.) After employing 
such a washing process as the standard referred to, to remove 
blood stains, the remaining hemoglobin stain may be removed 
by Javelle water or ammonia water (1 part of a 10% solution to 
9 parts of water), or hydrogen peroxide. After using such wash¬ 
ing process to remove ultramarine blueing, any remaining spots 
of it may be dissolved out by using an oxalic solution (1 oz. 
to 1 gal. of distilled water). Prussian blue should be re¬ 
moved by clean water. Obstinate stains of cocoa, chocolate, 
cream or ice cream (in cotton or linen), usually yield to Ja¬ 
velle water; or, to borax and cold water, followed by hot 
water from a height; (in silk or wool), to hydrogen peroxide. 
If fruit stain still persists, (in silk or wool), use: Warm water, 
and acetic acid, or oxalic acid, or potassium permanganate fol¬ 
lowed by oxalic acid, or sodium bisulphite. For glue, use 
acetic acid (for cotton and linen) ; and 50% of ethyl alcohol 
and same of ethyl ether (for silk or wool). For grease, try 
to soften stain with lard and oleic acid mixture (oleic acid 2 
parts and lard 98 parts) ; then again wash by standard proc¬ 
ess (for cotton or linen) ; (for silk and wool) try strong 
soap solution or gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ether, chloro¬ 
form, or benzene. Try blotting paper with hot iron. For gum 
or resin try succesively: Turpentine, benzene, carbon tetra¬ 
chloride, chloroform, alcohol 95%, ether, kerosene, gasoline, 
carbon disulphide. Carbon tetrachloride will remove chewing 
gum. Candle or other wax, and paraffin, yield to a hot 
iron with white blotting paper above and below the goods; 
if candle was colored, follow by soaking in denatured alcohol. 

Stains by fruit, tea, or coffee often yield to a deluge of hot 
water from a height. For oil stains in paper, apply wet pipe 
clay for 6 hours; or, Fuller’s earth lightly. Restore white of 
paper with ether. For iodin apply alcohol. 

The standard or similar washing process may remove India 
ink, also printers ink, if lard is rubbed, previously, into the stain. 
Pure grain alcohol removes phenol stains if applied promptly. 
Javelle water, or potassium permanganate followed by a solu¬ 
tion of oxalic acid, removes remnants of indelible pencil (in 
cotton or linen), after such as the standard process, 95% alcohol 
is substituted for Javelle water, if silk or wool goods. Weak 
ammonia water followed by hot water, or use of chloroform or 
ether, will remove iodine stains. Paint, tar and varnish stains 
usually yield to turpentine, benzene, chloroform or carbon 
tetrachloride. Methlyene, blue, picric acid, etc., stains yield 
to a weak ammonia solution and washings with water. 

IMPORTANT FACTS 

Be cautious in giving atropia to flaxen-haired, light-com- 
pexioned, nervous women. 

Be cautious in the use of morphia subcutaneously after 
opiates or morphia have been given by the mouth or rectum. 

The healthy mucous membrane of the bladder never absorbs 
medicine; an ulcerated vesical mucous membrane does. 


ORDER OF ERUPTION OF THE TEETH. 421 


Children are especially susceptible to the narcotic action of 
opium and its alkaloids. 

A catheter should never be forced into the bladder. All 
catheters should be kept perfectly clean. After each using 
they should be dipped in carbolized oil, washed in warm water, 
and, if gum elastic, be put away in zinc powder, powdered 
soapstone, or starch. All soft-rubber articles are rendered 
hard and brittle by contact with oil or grease. Catheters used 
in puerperal cases should be rendered thoroughly aseptic. 


THE ORDER OF THE ERUPTION OF THE TEETH. 

(An aid in determination of age.) 


FIRST DENTITION. 

As a rule the teeth of the lower jaw precede those of the 
Upper, except in the case of the lateral incisors. 

Central incisors . 5th to 8th month. # 

Lateral incisors . 7th to 9th month. 

First molars . 12th to 16th month. 

Canines . 16th to 20th month. 

Second molars . 20th to 36th month. 


SECOND DENTITION. 


First molars ... 
Central incisors 
Lateral incisors. . 
First bicuspids . 
Second bicuspids 

Canines . 

Second molars . 
Third molars .., 


5th to 7th 
7th to 8th 
8th to 9th 
9th to 10th 
10th to 11th 
11th to 12th 
12th to 13th 
17th to 21st 


year. 

year. 

year. 

year. 

year. 

year. 

year. 

year. 


THE ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

(A table to aid in determining the source of eruption, in sus¬ 
pected, poisoning with eruption.) 

Disease—Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina). 

Period of Incubation. Four to seven days, or shorter. 

Mode of Onset. Sudden ; very often at night; sore throat; 
vomiting; convulsions in severe cases; high fever. 

Eruption Appears.— At the end of the first or during the 
course of the second day. 

Eruption Fades.— In three to five days; disappearing first 
where it first appears. 

Danger of Contagion. As long as desquamation continues, 
ox a uurulent discharge from the ear or an abscess keeps up;. 















422 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


indefinitely in clothing, toys, books, etc., which have not been 
disinfected. 

Disease—Measles (Morbilli, Rubeola). 

Period of Incubation. Four to fourteen days. 

Mode of Onset. Rather sudden; catarrhal symptoms; mod¬ 
erate fever. 

Eruption Appears. Fourth day; less commonly on the 
third or fifth. 

Eruption Fades. In about four days. 

Danger of Contagion. So long as the fine, branny desqua¬ 
mation lasts. 

Disease—Rotheln (Rubella, German or French Measles). 

Period of Incubation. One to three weeks. 

Mode of Onset. Gradual, fever slight and transient, some¬ 
times absent. 

* Eruption Appears. The eruption usually the first symptom. 

Eruption Fades. Irregularly; in about four to six days, 
without desquamation. 

Danger of Contagion. The duration of the liability to com¬ 
municate the disease is not known. 

Disease—Smallpox (Variola). 

Period of Incubation. Ten to fourteen days. 

Mode of Onset. Sudden; chill; high fever; headache; pain 
in loins, etc. 

Eruption Appears. On the third or fourth day; typical 
evolution, about the sixth day or the ninth of the disease char¬ 
acteristic pustules fully formed. 

Eruption Fades. Desiccation at the end of second week; 
crusts slowly separate, leaving marked and enduring cicatrices. 

Danger of Contagion. So long as crusts reform; indefi¬ 
nitely in fomites, etc. 

Disease—Varioloid (Modified Smallpox). 

Period of Incubation. Ten to fourteen days. 

Mode of Onset. Sudden ; chill; high fever; headache ; pain 
in loins, etc. 

Eruption Appears. On the third or fourth day; typical 
evolution, about the sixth day or the ninth of the disease char¬ 
acteristic pustules fully formed. 

Eruption Fades. Pocks do not go on to suppuration, but 
begin to dry up from the vesicular stage, i. e., the sixth or 
eighth day of the disease. 

Danger of Contagion. So long as crusts reform; indefi¬ 
nitely in fomites, etc. 


THE ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 


423 


.Disease —Chicken-pox (Varicella). 

Period of Incubation. About two weeks. 

Mode of Onset. Sudden. 

Eruption Appears. At once, and often in successive crops. 
Eruption Fades. In a few days, dessicating, as a rule, with¬ 
out suppuration. 

Danger of Contagion. Duration of danger of contagion 
ends with the shedding of the dried crusts. 


TABLE FOR MAKING PERCENTAGE SOLUTIONS 

TO MAKE FOUR FLUID OUNCES OF THE SOLUTION. 


Per cent. 

Grains for 
Exact Solution 

1-10 of 1% 

1.82 

grains 

Vs of 1% 

2.28 

u 

1-6 of 1% 

3.03 

u 

14 of 1% 

4.55 

it 

Vz of 1% 

6.06 

if 

of 1% 

9.10 

it 

1% 

18.20 

it 

2% 

36.40 

tt 

2*4% 

45.50 

tt 

3% 

54.60 

a 

4% 

72.80 

it 

5% 

91.00 

a 

6% 

109.20 

it 

7% 

127.40 

tt 

8% 

145.60 

tt 

10% 

182.00 

u 

12% 

218.40 

it 

15% 

273.00 

ft 

20% 

364.00 

tt 

25% 

455.00 

tt 


Approximate Amount 
required to make 4 fl. oz. 




grains 

lVs 




tt 

2^4 




tt 

3 

• 

N 


. 

it 

4*4 

O 



tt 

6 

cd 



it 

9 




it 

18^4 

<v 



it 

36*/4 

CS 

g 



it 

45 y 2 

H 

o 



it 

54*4 


drachms 

1 

it 

12*X 

<A 

tt 

1/4 



dr 

tt 

1 

it 

49 

u 

<L> 

tt 

2 

it 

7 


it 

2 

it 

25 

£ 

ii 

3 

tt 

2 

*o 

ft 

3 

tt 

38 

<u 

it 

4 

tt 

33 

*-> 

cn 

it 

6 

a 

4 

• ^ 

Q 

a 

7 

a 

35 



DIRECTIONS. 

Find in the first column the per cent, desired. The second 
column shows the exact amount required in grains. The third 
column shows the approximate amount by weight required of 
any salt; to this weight add distilled water enough to make 
four fluid ounces. 


APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE METHOD FOR DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS. 

Consider 1 ounce fluid as 500 minims. 1% = 1 grain or 
minim in 100 minims; for 500 minims, 5 X 1 or 5 grains 
would be required. Hence, a 1% solution = 5 grains in 1 
ounce. A 5% solution = 5 X 5 =.25 grains in 1 ounce, etc. 
For ordinary practical purposes (disinfectant, etc.), 1 dram 
(fluid) in 1 pint of water = 1% solution. Also 1 grain in 
1 ounce of water = 1 to 500. Double the water — 1 to 1,000. 






424 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY 


AN EPITOME OF IMPORTANT INCOMPATIBLES. 

Aacia (gum) with alcohol, iron, lead-water, and mineral 
acids. 

Acids (mineral), with alkalies and relatively weak salts of 
other acids, such as bromides, chlorides, and iodides. 

Alkalies, with acids and with relatively weak salts. 

Antipyrin and antifebrin should be given with alcohol or 
water only. 

Arsenic, with tannic acid, salts of iron, and lime and mag¬ 
nesia. 

Bitter infusions and tinctures, with salts of iron and lead. 

Bromides, with acids, acid salts, or alkalies. 

Calomel, with antipyrin, alkalies, lime-water, salts of iron 
and lead, and iodide of potassium. 

Camphor (spirit of) with water. 

Carbonates, with acids and acid salts. 

Chloral, with cyanides. 

Chlorides, with silver salts, lead salts, and alkalies. 

Chloroform (except in minute quantity), with water. 

Corrosive sublimate, with alkalies, lime-water, salts of 
iron and lead, iodide of potassium, albumin, gelatine, and 
vegetable astringents. (It may, however, be advantageously 
combined with tincture of the chloride of iron and liq. 
acidi arsenosi, or with iodide of potassium.) 

Digitalis, with iron and preparations containing tannic acid. 

Iron (salts), with anything containing tannic acid. Tinc¬ 
ture of the chloride of iron, with alkalies, carbonates, muci¬ 
lages, and preparations containing tannic acid. 

Mucilages, with acids, iron salts, and alcohol. 

Potassium chlorate (and potassium permanganate) should 
not be rubbed up with tannic acid or other organic oxidiz- 
able substance. 

Potassium (iodide of), with all strong acids and acid 
salts. (See Corrosive Sublimate.) 

Spirit of nitrous ether, with antipyrin, sulphate of iron, 
tincture of guaiacum, and most carbonates. 

Vegetable preparations holding tannic acid, with salts of 
iron and lead. 

Alkaloids are precipitated or destroyed by tannic acid, 
alkalies, iodin or iodides, and chlorinous compounds. 

Tinctures of gums or resins, with water. 

BLOOD PRESSURE. 

Dr. Tasker Howard says that for young people, up to 30 
years of age, the maximal or systolic pressure may be con¬ 
sidered as normal at: The age plus 110. Between 30 and 50 
years, the age plus 100. Also that although Osier and 
French state that after 50 years of age 150 and 160 may be 
quite normal, the life insurance companies reject these fig¬ 
ures. He says the minimal or diastolic pressure should be 
about k 3 lower than these figures; and that the blood pres¬ 
sure in women averages about 10 points lower than in men. 


FREEZING MIXTURES. 


425 


FREEZING MIXTURES. 


(THOMPSON.) 


Ingredients. 

Parts by 
Weight. 

Hydrochloric Acid 

8) 

Sulphate of Sodium 

5f 

Snow or Fine shaved Ice 

2 ) 

Chloride of Sodium 

If 

Dilute Nitric Acid 

2 J 

Sulphate of Sodium 

3 f 

Dilute Nitric Acid 

4 

Nitrate of Ammonium 

5 i 

Sulphate of Sodium 

6$ 

Dilute Nitric Acid 

4 ) 

Phosphate of Sodium . 

n 


Temperature reduced from 
10° C. or 50° F. to 

- 17° C. = + 1° F. 

- 18° C. = 0° F. 

- 19° C. = - 2° F. 

- 26° C. = - 15° F. 

- 29° C. = - 20° F. 


LAWS RELATING TO THE SALE OF 

POISONS. 

Laws of most of the States in the United States, 
also laws of Great Britain, practically restrict the 
sale of poisons, when made to others than dealers, to 
sales by licensed pharmacists, druggists, or chem¬ 
ists. They require that the bottle or package con¬ 
taining the poison be carefully labeled with the name 
of the poison, the name and address of the seller, 
and the word poison (usually in red ink). Laws 
of nearly all the States, likewise the English Phar¬ 
macy Acts, not only anticipate that the seller will use 
discretion in making sales, but also require him to 
register, in a book kept for the purpose, sales of all 
very active poisons. The registration includes the 
name and quantity of article sold, use to which it is 
to be put, date of sale, name and address of purchaser, 
with his signature and that of the seller; etc. 

In the State of New York the laws virtually require 
the registration of all active poisons. 

The new Harrison Law of the United States pro¬ 
hibits the sale, to the public, of cocain, of opium and 
of their preparations (except Paregoric) except on 
a physician’s prescription. 

In Great Britain the purchaser must be known to 
the vendor or introduced by some person the latter 
knows, and the signature of both of these must then 











426 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


appear upon the registration book. The articles to be 
registered in Great Britain include “arsenic and its 
preparations, aconite and its preparations, all poison¬ 
ous vegetable alkaloids and their salts, atropine and its 
preparations, cantharides, corrosive sublimate, cyanide 
of potassium and all metallic cyanides and their prepa¬ 
rations, emetic tartar, ergot of rye and its prepa¬ 
rations, prussic acid and its preparations, savin and its 
oil, strychnine and its preparations, vermin killers, if 
they contain any poisons or preparations of poisons 
which are on this list.” (In Ireland, preparations of 
prussic acid and all vermin killers are omitted from 
this list.) 


QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 

Selected by the author from over 1,000 questions 
asked by him at College, and Board 
of Pharmacy examinations. 


(Board of Pharmacy questions are in sets of 15). 

N. B.—In giving doses, write the name of the 
drug and give the minimum and maximum doses. 

1. Name two vegetable and three mineral emetics, 

and state the emetic dose of each. 

2. Name a good antidote to the mineral acids. 

3. What acid is considered a good antidote to the 

alkaloids? Why? 

4. What alkaloid and what Potassium salt are con¬ 

sidered very beneficial in Morphine poisoning? 
How should they be administered? 

5. Which one of the mercurial preparations is most 

frequently employed for suicidal purposes? 
What is the best antidote in poisoning by it? 
How is the antidote used and what is formed? 

6. Describe the characteristic symptoms of and 

give the emergency treatment for Strychnine 
poisoning. 




QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 427 


7- What would you give for poisoning by any of 
the Barium salts? For poisoning by any of 
the Copper salts? 

8. State what emergency treatment should be 

employed for poisoning by Iodine, and for 
poisoning by Silver Nitrate, naming the chem¬ 
ical antidote for each, if there be one. 

9. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by Carbolic Acid? For poison¬ 
ing by Phosphorus? 

10. What precautions should be observed in selling 

poisons? 

11. What relation do hypodermic and mouth doses 

bear to each other as regards size, and why 
does the former act more quickly than the 
latter ? 

12. What is the dose of Antimonial Powder, Ex¬ 

tract of Aconite, Gallic Acid, Oil of Gaul- 
theria ? 

13. What is the dose of Creosote Carbonate, Red 

Mercuric Iodide, Sodium Bromide, Sulphonal? 

14. What is the dose of Fowler’s Solution, Infusion 

of Digitalis, Syrup of Ferrous Iodide, Syrup 
of Morphine Sulphate (N. F.) ? 

15. What is the dose of Fluid Extract of Cimici- 

fuga, Tincture of Nux Vomica, Tincture of 
Veratrum Viride, Wine of Colchicum Root? 


1. By what avenues, other than the mouth, may 

poisons enter the system? By which one of 
these is the most prompt effect obtained? 

2. What kinds of evidence, besides that called the 

symptoms, may serve to indicate the poison 
taken in a case of poisoning? Which of these 
is considered the most reliable? 

3. Do all poisons produce their poisonous effects 

in the same time? Illustrate in answer. 

4. What is meant by the local effect of a poison? 

Name one which has both a local and a gen- 



428 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


eral or systemic poisonous effect, and state the 
emergency treatment for poisoning by it. 

5. Name two substances which poison by being 

inhaled; also name two narcotic poisons, stat¬ 
ing the emergency treatment for poisoning by 
them. 

6. Which would be the more dangerous poisonous 

dose of Arsenic, a small or a large one? Ex¬ 
plain. 

7. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by Laudanum? By Lead salts? 

8. Name a poison, in poisoning by which, fats and 

oils should not be administered, and one in 
poisoning by which Sodium Bicarbonate 
should not be given. Explain. 

9. Name a poison, in poisoning by which an emetic 

should not be given, and another in poisoning 
by which water should not be administered. 
Explain. 

10. What does the Pharmacy Law direct regarding 

the sale of poisons belonging to “Schedule A”? 

11. State the dose of Ammonium Chloride, Atro¬ 

pine Sulphate, Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, 
Guaiacol Carbonate. 

12. State the dose of Ferrous Sulphate, Lead Ace¬ 

tate, Salol, Trional. • 

13. What is the dose of Antipyrine, Ingluvin, Naph- 

talin, Strychnine? 

14. State the dose of Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid, 

Extract of Belladonna, Extract of Hyoscya- 
mus, Oleoresin of Aspidium. 

15. What is the dose of Deodorized Tincture of 

Opium, Tincture of Strophanthus, Donovan's 
Solution, Fluid Extract of Viburnum Opulus? 


1. Name the best chemical antidote for: Corrosive 

Sublimate; Lead Water; Oxalic Acid; Paris 
Green; Tincture of Iodine. 

2. Name the best physiological antidotes, with 

their antidotal doses and your method of acL 



QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 


429 


ministration, in poisoning by Aconitine; by 
Morphine; by Strychnine. 

3. What substance is considered a good antidote 

to the alkaloids? Why? In what dose is it 
given ? 

4. Mention two substances which poison by being 

inhaled. Name two narcotic poisons. 

5. Which is the more rapidly fatal poison, Potas¬ 

sium Cyanide or Potassium Hydrate? What 
emergency treatment should be employed for 
poisoning by each ? 

6. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by Formaldehyde? By swal¬ 
lowing Chloroform? 

7. Name two stimulants of different character. 

When is artificial respiration applicable and 
how is it performed? 

8. State the condition of pupils and skin in Bella¬ 

donna and in Morphine poisoning. 

9. Name three good, vegetable emetics with emetic 

dose of each. What fluid aids emetic action? 

10. What does the law require the pharmacist to 

ascertain and do when selling Carbolic Acid, 
Laudanum or Strychnine? 

11. What proportion of the adult dose of a medi¬ 

cine should ordinarily be given children at the 
following ages: 2, 4, 8, 10, 14 years? 

12. What is the hypodermic dose of Morphine Sul¬ 

phate, Strychnine Sulphate? What is the 
rectal dose of Cocaine, Chloral, Extract of 
Belladonna? 

13. What is the dose of Mild Mercurous Chloride, 

Sodium Benzoate, Strophanthin, Urethane? 

14. What is the dose of Extract of Colocynth, Ex¬ 

tract of Digitalis, LugoTs Solution, Spirit of 
Chloroform, Tincture of Hyoscyamus? 

15. What is the dose of Acetanilid, Silver Nitrate, 

Sodium Salicylate, Tincture of Conium, 
Tully’s Powder? 


430 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


1. What should be given for poisoning by Mer¬ 

curic Chloride? By any of the Zinc salts? 

2. In Morphine poisoning, what oxidizing agent is 

employed and what alkaloid should be used 
for its physiological effects? 

3. Name two different substances which may pro¬ 

duce eschars or stains on the lips or mouth? 

4. How would you determine whether a suspected 

powder was Calomel, Corrosive Sublimate, or 
Morphine Sulphate? 

5. What is meant by circumstantial evidence? 

symptomatic evidence? chemical evidence? 
Which is the most reliable? 

6. Describe the characteristic symptoms of and 

give the emergency treatment for poisoning by 
Belladonna. For poisoning by Opium. 

7. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by Paris Green? By Salt of 
Sorrel? What is Paris Green? What is Salt 
of Sorrel? 

8. What antidote, and how much, should be given 
for poisoning by Iodine? By Lunar Caustic? 

9. What is the dose, and antidote for overdose, of 

Mercuric Cyanide? Of Tincture of Bella¬ 
donna ? 

10. What is the dose of Benzoic Acid, Digitalin, 

Salicylic Acid, Potassium Iodide? 

11. What is the dose of Agaricin, Colchicin, Con- 
vallarin, Extract of Stramonium? 

12. What is the dose of Creosote, Fluid Extract of 
Ergot, Methyl Salicylate, Oleoresin of Cubeb? 

13. What is the dose of Tincture of Aconite, Com¬ 
pound Tincture of Catechu, Tincture of Col- 
chicum Seed, Tincture of Ipecac and Opium? 

14. How large a dose of each of the following should 

you consider it safe, as a rule, to dispense in a 
prescription: Cocaine Hydrochlorate, Extract of 
Physostigma, Veratrin, Wine of Opium? 


QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 431 


5. What is the dose of Mixture of Rhubarb and 
Soda, Syrup of Garlic, Wine of Antimony, 
Wine of Ferric Citrate? 


1. Define Toxicology, Antagonist, Corrosive, Nar¬ 

cotic, Ptomain. 

2. Upon what does the rapidity of absorption of a 

poison depend ? 

3. Describe the condition of the stomach after a 

large quantity of undiluted Carbolic Acid has 
been swallowed. 

(a) Is the corrosion superficial or deep? 

4. What are the symptoms of and what emergency 

treatment should be employed for poisoning 
by Oxalic Acid? 

(a) Should the stomach tube be employed and 
should alkaline carbonates or bicarbonates be 
administered? Explain. 

5. What signs and symptoms would indicate pois¬ 

oning by Sulphuric Acid? 

(a) State what emergency treatment should 
be employed and explain regarding use of 
emetic, Sodium Bicarbonate and much water. 

6. What emergency treatment should be em¬ 

ployed for poisoning by Arsenic? 

(a) By Tyrotoxicon? 

7. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by Cocaine? 

(a) By Trional. 

(b) State the proper dose of each. 

8. Name three unrelated, mineral emetics, with 

dose of each. 

(a) Name three unrelated poisonous alkaloids 
(not mentioned in this paper), with dose of 
each. 

(b) Name five poisonous tinctures, with dose 
of each. 

(c) Name five demulcents and state for what 
poisoning such are employed. 



432 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


9. State the effect upon the heart and stomach, 

of the habitual, excessive use of Alcohol. 

(a) Of Tobacco. 

10. What are the principal effects of the habitual 

use of Cocaine? 

^a) Of Morphine? 

1. Define Toxicology, poison, cumulative poison, 

demulcent. 

2. Into what general classes are poisons physi¬ 

ologically divided? 

(a) Name the first subdivisions of these gen¬ 
eral classes and mention a poison belonging to 
each subdivision. 

3. What should be done in poisoning when the 

nature of the poison is unknown? 

(a) By what may the effects of a poison be 
modified ? 

4. State and illustrate the difference between an 

antidote and an antagonist. 

(a) State and illustrate the difference between 
antidotal measures and antagonistic measures. 

5. In what kinds of poisoning should the follow¬ 

ing be avoided: emetics, the stomach pump, 
the stomach tube, glycerine, milk? 

6. Name a drug acting directly upon the heart and 

give the treatment for poisoning by that drug, 
(a) Name a poison directly affecting the 
stomach, and give the treatment for poisoning 
by it. 

7. Name a common household article of which 

Phosphorus is an ingredient. . 

(a) Should oil be used in poisoning by Phos¬ 
phorus? Explain. 

8. When should the following be employed as 

chemical or mechanical antidotes: Potassium 
Permanganate, Sodium Chloride, sta r ch. Tan¬ 
nic Acid, Alcohol? Explain. 

(a) What is the treatment for poisoning by 
Wood Alcohol? By Opium? 



QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 433 


9. State the emetic doses of two vegetable and of 
three mineral emetics. 

(a) What is ordinarily the largest safe dose of 
Aconitine, Paraldehyde, Dover’s Powder, Her¬ 
oin, Phenacetin? 

10. What are the symptoms of and what is the 
proper treatment for poisoning by coal gas? 

(a) Name a poison which uniformly produces 
blindness, more or less permanent. 


MISCELLANEOUS COLLEGE AND BOARD 

QUESTIONS. 

1. What effect does the dilution of a corrosive poison 

have upon its local effect? 

(a) If an ounce of Carbolic Acid, well diluted, 
were swallowed, would life be endangered? Ex¬ 
plain. 

(b) What is the official antidote for poisoning 
by Arsenic, and how is it prepared ? 

2. What is the best chemical antidote for poisoning 

by Silver Nitrate, and what does it do? 

(a) Forpoisoningby Chloral and what does it do? 

(b) For poisoning by Verdigris? 

(c) What symptoms would cause you to suspect 
Opium poisoning? 

3. Is it the absorbed poison in the circulation, or the 

unabsorbed poison in the stomach, which causes 
death by a true poison? 

(a) What is the proper demulcent antidote to 
employ when Chlorine preparations have been 
swallowed ? 

(b) What Sodium salt should also be used? 

4. What emergency treatment should be employed 

for poisoning by swallowing a Formaldehyde 
solution ? 

(a) For poisoning by Hyoscyamus? 

(b) -By Ice Cream? 

5. Name a good physiological antidote for poisoning 

by Aconite, and tell how to use it. 

(a) How may Oxalic Acid be distinguished 

from Epsom Salt? 



434 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


(b) Should water be used in poisoning by Ox¬ 
alic Acid or by Oil of Vitriol ? Explain. 

6. With what substances does albumin form more or 

less inert compounds? 

(a) Describe the method of using it. 

(b) What precautions are to be observed in em¬ 
ploying it in poisoning by Corrosive Sublimate, 
and why? 

7. What are the principal symptoms produced by a 

toxic dose of Strychnine ? 

(a) State the emergency treatment for poison¬ 
ing by Strychnine, giving the object of each pro¬ 
cedure in the treatment? 

8. Should the following prescription be dispensed? 

Explain. 

B Heroin, gr. 2 .\ 

Codeinae Sulph. 

Ext Hyoscyami, aa gr. 10 
Pulv Tully, drm 3 
M ft in caps No. XXIV. 

Sig. Two every 2 to 4 hours. 

9. If a wineglassful of concentrated Hydrochloric 

Acid were swallowed would death be likely to 
result if no treatment were employed? How 
could you tell it was not Carbolic Acid instead 
of Hydrochloric? 

10. Which is the more rapidly fatal poison, Potassium 

Cyanide or Potassium Hydrate? To what is 
the effect due? What emergency treatment 
should be employed for poisoning by each ? 

11. By what chemical tests or means would you iden¬ 

tify the following: Mercuric Chloride; Mor¬ 
phine ; Antipyrine ; Strychnine ? 

12. Poisoning by what drug would be indicated by the 

following symptoms: flushed face, thirst, dry 
fauces, double vision, dilated pupils, giddiness, 
delirium and stupor? What treatment should 
be employed? 

(a) In true poisoning by coal gas, where is the 
poison and what treatment should be employed? 


INDEX 


'I 


A 

Abortion, 253. 

Abrine, 38. 

Absinthe, 256, 384. 

Absinthism, 384. 

Absorption, 243, 244. 

Rapidity of, 16, 17, 18, 21. 
Delay in, 21. 

Acetanilid, 17, 32, 61, 247, 254, 
257. 

Acid, Acetic, 29, 32, 63, 80, 247, 
347. 

Boric, 106. 

Arsenous, 32, 97, 248. 

Carbolic, 19, 29, 32, 41, 43, 65, 
247, 254, 255, 256, 259, 274, 
347. 

Carbonic, 31, 67, 247. 

Chromic, 17, 29, 32, 68 , 255. 
Ergotinic, 257. 

Filic, 254. 

Formic, 260. 

Gallic, 229. 

Helvelaic, 255, 259. 
Hydrobromic, 32. 

Hydrochloric, 32, 4 O, 73, 247, 
274, 346. 

Hydrocyanic, 29, 32, 43, 70, 247, 
273, 254, 274, 348. 

Lactic, 29. 

Meconic, 32. 

Muriatic, 73. 

Nitric, 32, 40, 73, 247, 255, 275, 
346. 

Nitrous, 146. 

Nitrous, Fumes, 149. 
Nitrohydrochloric, 73. 

Oxalic, 22, 29, 32, 39, 56, 75, 80, 
247, 259, 260, 276, 349. 
Oxaminic, 260. 

Oxabutyric, 253. 

Phenic, 63. 

Phosphoric, 32, 73, 247. 

Picric, 32, 38, 255, 258, 259. 
Potassium-oxalates, 75. 

Prussic, 70, 274, 348, 420. 
Salicylic, 29, 32, 78. 

Scheele’s, 70, 79. 

Of Sugar, 75. 

Sulphuric, 32, 40, 73, 79, 247, 
276, 346. 

Tannic, 58, 226. 

Tartaric, 22, 80, 350. 

Acids, 38, 40. 

Amido-fatty, 39. 

Corrosive, 80, 253, 255. 

Fatty, 39. 

Inorganic, 50. 

Mineral, 32, 247, 339, 346. 
(Concentrated), 29, 73. 

Organic, 32, 50. 

Vegetable, 89, 341. 


Aconite, 23, 29, 39, 80, 230, 231, 

247, 254, 255, 257, 259, 351. 
Aconitine,, 32, 38, 43, 80, 254, 258, 

351,. 

Aconitum Napellus, 230, 231. 

Acme, Pustule, 255. 

Action, Antagonistic, 22. 

Aenanthe, 39. 

Aesculin, 156. 

Agaricus Campester, 238. 

Age, 21. 

Adonidin, 339. 

Albumin, 49. 

Poisonous, 39. 

Albuminoid Combination, 19. 
Alcohol, 16. 29, 32, 38, 41, 51, 83, 

248, 253, 351, 370. 

Amyl, 83. 

Ethyl, 84, 351, 370. 

Methyl, 86 , 248. 

Wood, 86 , 253. 

Alcoholism, Chronic, 254, 256, 370. 
Alcholomania, 370. 

Alkalies, 40, 87, 248, 277. 

Caustic, 24, 38. 

Corrosive (cone.), 253, 255. 
Mineral, 32. 

Alkaloids, 32, 39, 248. 277. 
Animal, 199. 

Liquid, Volatile, 41. 

Mydriatic Group, <u. 

Opium Group, 41. 

Oxidation of, 26. 

Strychnos Class, 39, 41. 
Vegetable, 41. 

Veratrines, 41. 

Allantotoxin, 254, 258. 

Almonds, Bitter and their Oil, 70. 

179, 260. 

Aloes, 89. 

Alum, 46, 90. 

Amanita Muscaria, 239. 

Phalloides, 239. 

Verna, 239. 

Amines, 39. 

Ammonal, 218. 

Ammonia, 38, 40, 50, 87, 248, 253, 
254, 257, 258, 260, 277, 360. 
Salts, 40. 

Water of, 29. 

Ammonium, 17, 32. 

Carbonate, 46, 50. 

Amyl, Nitrite, 16, 41, 91, 253, 256, 
259. 

Amylene Hydrate, 253. 

Anaemia, 315. 

Analysis, Autenrieth’s Method of, 
304. 

Chart, 295, 296. 

Chemical, 25. 

Of Various Substances, 273-296. 
Analytical Plan, 302. 

Anesthetics, 20, 35, 92, 240. 



436 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Anhydrides, Poisonous, 42. 

Anilin, 32, 38, 61, 256. 

Dyes, 62. 

Ink, 62. 

Oil, 253, 254. 

Antagonist, 14, 247-250. 

Antidote, 14, 45, 46. 

Bag, 410. 

Bouchardats, 53. 

Chemical or True, 14, 45, 49. 
Definition of, 14. 

General, 60. Physiolog. 60, a, b. 
Mechanical, 14, 45, 47, 48. 
Antifebrin, 61. 

Antiarin, 139. 

Antimony, 19, 32, 39, 94, 253, 254, 

255, 258, 260, 281, 351. 
Comounds of, 32, 248. 

Wine, of, 47, 94. 

Antipyrine, 17, 29, 32, 96, 247, 

256, 257, 281. 

Anti-toxins, Production of, 327. 
Aphonia, 244. 

Apocynum, 29. 

Apomorphine, 32, 260. 

Hydrochlorate, 47. 

Apoplexy, 24, 25. 

Appearances in Poisoning, Post- 
Mortem, 345-366. 

Apportionate Dose Table, 394. 
Arabic, Gun, 52. 

Argentum, Nitrate, 293. 

Argyria, 255. 

Aristol, 165. 

Arnica, 29, 169. Arrow, 96. 
Arsenic, 23, 25, 29, 32, 39, 55, 97, 
230, 248, 254, 258, 260, 282, 
352, 373, 393. 

Chronic Poisoning by, 373. 
Arsenical Fly Paper, 97. 

Melanosis, 255. 

Arseniuretted Hydrogen, 149. 
Asphyxia, 21, 316. 

Asthenia, 315. 

Asthenics, 31. 

Cerebro-Spinal, 29. 
Atropa-Belladonna, 230, 231. 
Atropine, 23, 32, 38, 100, 102, 254, 
256, 257, 258, 284, 353, 396. 
Auto-infection, 100. 
Auto-intoxication, 100. 

Autumn Crocus, 127. 


B 

Balsam Copaiba, 256. 

Barium, 32, 101, 253, 256, 260, 
284. 

Acetate, 101. 

Chloride, 101, 271. 

Compounds, 248. 

Nitrate, 101. 

Oxide, 101. 

Soluble Salts of, 29. 

Baryta, 39, 87, 101, 257. 

Bee, 162. 


Beer, 84. 

Belladonna, 29, 39, 102, 230, 231, 
248, 253, 254, 256, 258, 260, 
284, 353. 

Benzene, 29, 32, 105. 

Benzine, 106, 191. 

Benzol, 105. 

Benzophenol, 63. 

Benzocoll, 254. 

Benzaldehyde Oil, 259. 

Berry, Indian, 127. 

Bicarbonates, Alkaline, 56. 
Bichromate, 68, 123, 255. 

Bismuth,, 106, 256. 

Bittersweet, 102. 

Bhang, 113. 

Blindness, 253, 254. 

Blood, Coagulation of, 311. 

Change in, 16. 

Gravitation of, 27. 

Quantity of, in Blood Vessels. 
18 

Transudation of, 27. 

Bloodroot, 106, 205, 233. 
Bluestone, 132. 

Body, Pallor of. 311. 

Lividity of, 311. 

Brandy, 84. 

Botulism, 146. 

Breath, Phosphorescence of, 253. 

Specific Odor of, 253. 

Bromides, 106, 255. 

Bromine, 17, 29, 32, 38, 107, 149, 
253, 255, 354. 

Bromism, 256. 

Bromoform, 253. 

Brucine, 29, 32, 108, 180, 250, 285. 
Bryony, 89, 108. 

Burial, Haste in, 24. 

Botulism, 145, 146. 


c 

Cadovine, 202. 

Caffeine, 108. 

Calabar Bean, 39, 108, 119, 233. 
Calcium, 111. 

Hydrate, 50. 

Carbonate, 51. 

Camphor, 29, 39, 41, 111, 256. 
Camphorated Oil, 82, 111, 118. 
Cancer Root, 196. 

Cannabis American. 113, 230, 248. 
Indica, 29, 113, 234, 246. 

Sativa, 234. 

Cannabinon, 256. 

Cantharides, 29, 38, 39, 114, 244, 
256, 285, 354. 

Cantharidin, 114, 257, 258, 260. 
Cantharis, Vesicatoria, 242. 

Carbon Dioxide, 29, 67, 254, 285. 
Disulphide, 38, 41, 254. 
Monoxide, 32, 38, 40, 116, 149, 
253, 260, 254. 

Carbolineum, 63. 

Carbonates, Alkaline, 56. 


INDEX 


437 


Carbonic Oxide, 29. 

Cardiac Pulsation, Absence of, 311. 
Cardol, 256. , 

Castor Beans, 29, 118. 

Oil, 48, 234. 

Cathartics, 48. 

Caustic, Lunar, 211. 

Centers, Respiratory, 21. 
Cephalanthin, 259. 

Cesspool Emanations, 149, 210. 
Charcoal, 51, 60. Cevadin, 223. 
Fumes, 116. 

Chart, Analytical, 295, 296. 
Detection Acid Radicals, 296- 
Detection Metals, 295. 

Cheese, Poisonous, 26. 

Cherry Black or Wild, 121. 
Cherry-Laurel, 79, 119, 235, 349- 
Chest, Girth of, 344. 

Cholera, Morbus, 25. 

Chloral, 17, 29, 32, 38, 39, 119, 
249, 253, 256, 260, 355, 374. 
Chloralamid, 119. 

Chloralism, 374. 

Chlorate, Potassic, 38, 121, 198. 
Chlorates, 198. 

Chlorinated Lime, 121. 

Chlorine, 29, 31, 32, 38, 40, 51, 
149. 

Chlorodyne, 123. 

Chlorodynomania, 381. 

Chloroform, 29, 32, 38, 39, 41, 92 , 
123, 126, 248, 253, 260, 355. 
Choke Damp, 67, 123. 

Chromate, 68, 123. 

Of Lead, 68. 

Of Potash, 68. 

Chrome, 39, 68. 

Chromium, 29, 355. 

and Zinc, Search for, 308. 
Chrysarobin, 260. 

Churrus, 113. 

Cicuta, Maculata 129. 

Cicuta, Virosa, 129. 

Cicutoxin, 123, 254. 

Cider, 84. 

Cinchona, 256. 

Cinchonism, 256. 

Classification, Chemical, 28, 32. 
Physiological, 28, 34. 

Tanners, 28, 33. 

Blyth, 28, 29. 

Robert, 28, 38. 

Coagulation, Venous, 311. 

Coal Gas, 32, 123, 161, 253, 354. 
Oil, 191. 


Cobalt Salts, 97. 
Cockle, Corn, 134. 
Coca, 229. 


Cocaine, 23, 29, 37, 38, 124, 249, 
254, 256, 258, 260, 374. 

Habit, 254, 258, 374. 

Cocainism, 374. 

Cocainomania, 374. 

Cocculus Indicus, 127. 

Codeine, 32, 127, 179,350, 258. 
Colchicin, 32, 41, 127, 253, 2S7, 


260. 


Colchicum, 29, 39, 127, 236, 355. 

Antumnale, 236. 

Colic, 24. 

Colored Plate, 16. 

Collapse, 253. 

Colocynth, 89, 255, 260. 

Coma, 314. 

Profound, 253. 

Comparison of Height and Weight, 
344. 

Condurangin, 254. 

Coniin, 32, 38, 129, 257, 258, 321. 
Conium, 23, 29, 129, 236, 249, 254, 
260, 321. 

Maculatum, 236. 

Constitutional Pecularity, 23. 
Convallaria, 131, 139. 
Convallamarin, 139. 

Convulsions, 25, 254. 

Tetanus, 254. 

Convulsives, 39. 

Copper, 29, 32, 39, 132, 249, 255, 
258, 286, 355. 

Arsenite, 256. 

Salts of, 255, 286. 

Subacetate, 132. 

Sulphate, 46, 52, 132. 

Cornutin,, 254, 256. 

Corpus Delicti. 300. 

Corpuscles, Neutralizing by, 26. 
Corydalin, 254. 

Corrosion, 27. 

Corrosive Metallic Salts, 255. 
Poisons, 255. 

Sublimate, 29, 55, 174, 260, 357 v 
379. 

Corrosives, 19, 21, 27, 29. 

Local Action of, 19. 

Cotton Root Bark, 256. 

Cough, Barking, 254. 
Counterfeiter’s Silver Coating, 362. 
Crazy Weed, 174. 

Creeper, 203. 

Corn Cockle, 134. 

Creosote, 29, 32, 63, 65, 247, 253, 
254, 286. 

Creolin, 63. 

Cresols, 63. 

Crocata, 39. 

Croton Oil, 29, 38, 42, 48, 134, 
249, 255, 256, 260. 

Crowfoot, 256. 

Cubebs, 256. 

Curare, 29, 39, 136, 257. 

Curarine, 32, 38, 41, 136. 

Cyanides, 38, 39, 137, 247, 254, 
358, 377. 

Cyanogen, 32. 

Cyanosis, 254, 258, 260. 

Cyclamin, 259. 

Cytisin, 254, 258, 260. 

Crystals, 294. 


D 

Daily Doses, Table of Maximum, 
412. 


438 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Datura Stramonium, 232. 

Daturin, 102. 

Deadly Nightshade, 102. 

Deafness, 254. 

Death, Quick or Sudden, 254, 313. 
Cause of, 22, 328. 

Modes of, 314. 

Signs of, 311. 

Tests for, 311. 

Deliriants, 31, 39. 

Cerebro Spinal, 29. 

Delirium, 256. 

Demulcents,, 49. 

Depressants, 31. 

Cerebro-Spinal, 29. 

Depression, Mental, 254. 

Devil’s Apple, 102. 

Dionin, 185. 

Diamin, 259. 

Diamines, 39. 

Diarrhoea with Vomiting, 254. 
Digitalin, 32, 43, 139, 356. 
Digltaliresin, 254. 

Digitalis, 23, 27, 29, 38, 39, 42, 
139, 237, 249, 253, 356. 
Purpurea, 230, 237. 

Diphtheria, Toxin of, 43. 
Discoloration, 255. 

Disease, 23, 24, 25, 27. 

Relation of Poisoning, 261-272. 
Simulation by, 261-272. 
Symptoms, 25. 

Dissecting Wounds, 228. 
Distillation, Separation by, 309. 
Diuretics, 21. 

Dog Bite, 141. 

Dogwood, 203. 

Donovan’s Solution, 97. 

Dose, 14. 

‘ Gradual Increase in, 23. 

Large, 22. 

Lethal or Fatal, 15, 328. 
Maximum, 15. 

Minimum, 15. 

Safe, 15. 

Size of, 21. 

Table, 294, 410. 

Table, Apportionate, 394. 

Toxic or Poisonous, 15. 

Doses, Large, 21. 

Repeated, 25. 

Table of, Daily, 412. 

Table of. Single, 394, 410. 

Drug Habits, 369. 

Duboisia, 102. 

Dulcamara, 102, 141. 

Dyes, Analin, 38. 


E 

Effect, Local 15. 

Remote, 15. 

Elaterin, 89. 

Elaterium, 89, 141. 

Elder, 203. 

Elimination of Poisons, 26, 261, 
272. 


Emetic, Action of. 48. 

Emetics, 22, 45, 46. 

General, 46, 47. 

Local, 46. 

Emetine, 32, 47, 255. 

Enzymes, 259. 

Eppedrin, 257. 

Ergot, 39, 42, 141. 

Ergotism, 254. 

Gangrenous, 255. 

Emaciation, 255. 

Eruptive Fevers, 411. 

Eruption, 255, 256. 

Causes of Skin, 329. 
Erythroxylon, 356. 

Coco, 235. 

Eserine, 56, 110. 

Ether, 17, 29, 32, 38, 51, 126, 143, 
248 , 255, 356. 

Brominated, 253. 

Ether Poisoning, Chronic, 377. 
Etherism, 254, 377. 

Eucaine, 124. Eucalyptus, 143. 
Euphorbium, 89. Eupator. Ager., 143. 
Evidence, Chemical, 25. 

Circumstantial or Moral, 24. 
Determinative, 24. 

Experimental, 26. 

Post-Mortem, 26, 27, 345. 
Presumptive, 24, 27. 

Symptomatic, 24, 25. 

Exalgin, 61, 143, 247, 254, 257. 
Examination, Post-Mortem, 27, 
297, 339, 344, 345. 
Examinations, Post-Mortem, Di¬ 
rections for, 297, 339, 341. 
Exhaustion, 24. 

Eyes, Changes in, 311. 


F 

Facts, Important, 420. 

Fainting, 24. Feeding, 338<j. 

Fats, Melted, 47. 

Feces, Color Changes, 330. 

Ferri, Oxidum Hydratum, 53. 

Cum. Magnesia, 54. 

Fevers, Eruptive, 421. 

Fish Berries, 29, 127. 

Fish, Poisonous, 145. 

Fluorine, 32. 

Fly Paper, Poisonous, 97. 

Fly Stone, 97. 

Food, Poisonous, 24, 26, 29, 32, 
39, 144, 249, 256, 358. 
Effects of, 329, 331, 358. 

Foods, 23. 

Formaldehyde, 143, 149, 287. 
Formalin, 143. 

Fowler’s Solution, 97. 

Foxglove, 139. 

Freezing Mixtures, 425. 

Fuel Gas, 149, 155. 

Fungi, 29, 39, 145. 

Furnace Gas, 149, 

Fusel Oil, 83. 


INDEX. 


439 


G 

Gamboge, 48, 89. 

Gangrene, 27. 

Gangrenous Ergotism; 255. 

Gas, 147, 199. 

Acetylene, 161. 

Illuminating, 17, 31, 149, 161, 
287. 

Laughing, 92. 

Gases, 18, 31. 

Explosion, 141. 

Poisonous, 40, 141, 149. 

Gaseous Poisons, 21, 149, 249 . 
Gasoline, 149, 191. 

Gelatine, 52. 

Gelsemine, 156, 237, 254, 258. 
Gelsemium, 29, 156, 249, 260. 

Sempervirens, 230, 237. 

Gin, 84. 

Glass, Ground, 159. 

Glucosids, 32 ,42. 

Gluten, 52. 

Glycosuria, 39. 

Gold, 158. Golden Rod, 169. 
Grain, 82. 

Growth, 344. 

Guachamaca Poison, 257. 

Guaiacol, 17, 63. 

Guanidin, 254. 

Guide to Post-Mortem Procedure, 
339. 

Gums, 256. 

Gunjah, 113. 


H 

Habit, 21, 23. 

The Cocaine, 374. 

The Morphine, 380. 

The Opium 380. 

Haschisch, 113. 

Hearing, 256. 

Heart, Drugs Acting Directly 
Upon, 36. 

Paralysis of, 21. 

Poisons, 38. 

Heat, Loss of, 159. 

Hellebore, 29, 159. 

Green, 226. 

Helleborin, 38. Helleborein, 139. 
Hemlock, 29, 39, 129, 356, 357. 
Spotted or Water, 129. 

Poison or Wild, 129. 

Height, Weight, etc, 3'44. 

Hemp, American 250. 

Indian, 39, 250. 

Heroine, 252. 

Hiera Picra, 89. 

Homatropine, 102, 258. 
Hydrocarbons, 41. 

Hydrogen Antimonide, 149. 
Arsenide, 149. 

Arsenuretted, 32. 

Cyanid, 17. 

Sulphide, 149, 159. 
Phosphoretted, 32, 149. 
Sulphuretted, 32, 


Hydrargyrum, 174, 250, 255, 256, 
258, 288, 357, 379. 

Hydrazine, 38. 

Hydric, Cyanide, 38. 

Hydric, Sulphide, 38, 40. 
Hyoscine, 102, 258. 

Hyoscyamine, 32, 102, 254, 257, 
258 

Hyoscyamus, 29, 39, 102, 232, 248, 
256, 258, 357, 

Niger, 232. 

I 

Identification Tests, Table ef, 273. 
Idiosyncrasy, 21, 23. 

Ignatia, 29. 

Illuminating Gas, 161, 287. 
Illusion, 24, 256. 

Immobility,, 311. 

Incompatibles, Epitome of. 424. 
Inflammation, 27. 

Indian Berry, 127. 

Ink, Anilin, 61. Inks, 419. 

Insect Powder, 97, 114, 162. 
Insects, Poisonous, 162. 
Insensibility, 314. 

Intoxication, 25. 

Investigation, Chemical, 25. 
Investigation of Residue, 309. 
Iodides, 23 163, 323. 

Iodine, 17, 29, 32, 38, 52, 163, 
249, 253, 255, 256, 287, 323, 
357. 

Iodoform, 165, 253, 254. 

Iodol, 165. 

Ipecac, Fluid Extract of, 47. 
Syrup of, 47. 

Wine, of 47. 

Ipecacuanha, 165. 

Pulverized, 47. 

Iron, 29, 39, 53. 

Dialyzed, 54. 

Hydrated Oxide of, 60. 
Sesquioxide of, 54. 

Irritants, 27, 29, 35. 

Simulation of, 25. 

True, 29. 

Itch, Colorado, 174. 


J 

Jaborandi, 166. 

Jalap, 89, 168. 

Jamestown Weed, 102. 

Javelle Water, 51, 121. 

Juice, Orange, 88, 114. 

K 

Kerosene, 169, 191. 

Key to Plants, 230. 

to Poison, Post-Mortem, 364. 
to Treatment, 247. 
to Uranalysis, 413, 414. 
Kombe Arrow Poison, 139, 216. 
“Knock-Out”-Drops, 120, 169. 


440 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


L 

Labarraque’s Solution, 121. 
Laburnum, 39, 169. 

LaCtucarium, 171, 185. 

Larkspur, 171. 

Laudanum, 171, 185, 250. 

Laughing Gas, 92, 171. Laurel, 171. 
Laws Relating to Sale of Poisons, 
425. 

Lead, 17, 29, 32, 38, 39, 171, 249, 
255, 256, 257, 258, 288, 357, 
378. 

Chromate, 68. 

Neutral, 68. 

Colic, 378. 

Palsy, 378. 

Paralysis, 260, 378. 

Life, Income and Expenditures of, 
418. 

Lily of the Valley, 131. 

Lime, 87, 172, 248. 

Chlorinated, 121. 

Quick, 29. 

Lips, Tingling, 259. 

Numbness, 259. 

Lithium Salts, 20. 

Lobelia, 29, 173, 238, 250. 

Inflata, 39, 173, 238. 

Lobelin, 258, 260. Loco 174. 

Lolium Temulentum, 39. 

Lungs Poisonous Gases Affecting, 

31. 

Lye, Concentrated, 29. 

Lysol, 63, 


M 

Magnesia, 54, 60. 

Magnesium Sulphate, 48, 51, 55. 
Male Fern, 174. 

Mania, 24, 256. 

Matches, 193. Marihnana. 
Maydism, 254. 

Measure, Antagonistic, 14. 
Antidotal, 14. 

U. S. or Apothecaries’, 416. 
Measures, Approximate, 399. 
Metric, 417. 

Meat, Poisonous, 145, 239. 

Putrid or Decaying, 145, 228, 
261-272. 

Medicine, Definition 14. Time 606 
Mercurialism, 23, 254, 379. 
Mercurial Tremors, 379. 

Mercuric, Cyanide, 137, 358, 377, 
Mercury, 32, 39, 55, 174, 250, 255, 
256, 258, 260, 288, 323, 329, 
330, 357, 364, 377, 379. 
Ammoniated, 174. 

Bichloride, 174. 

Cyanide of, 137, 254, 377. 
Metals. 306. 

Methyl, 86, 226. 

Methylguanidin, 191. 

Mezereon, 89. 


Milk, 26, 50. 

Drug Excretion in, 329. 
Mother’s, 329. 

Poisonous, 26, 145. 

Mines, Pitts, Wells, 116. 

Mirbane, Essence, 179. 

Miscarriage, 256. 

Mixtures, Freezing, 425. 
Monkshood, 80. 

Morphine, 23, 32, 38, 56, 177, 186, 
250, 253, 256, 257, 258, 290, 
292, 359, 380. 

Habit, 380. 

Morphinomania, 380. 

Mountain Wood, 171. 
Mummification, 311. 

Muscarine, 38, 41, 255, 257, 258, 
260. 

Mushrooms 17, 29, 146, 238, 
239, 254, 358. 

Containing Phallin, 254. 

Musk, 23. 

Mustard, 46. 

N 

Narcotic Irritants, 27. 

Naphtha, 191. 

Naphthalin, 177. 

Narceine, 32, 185. 

Narcissus Poisoning, 260. 

Narcosis, 215. 

Narcotics, 24, 27, 39. 

Cerebral, 29. 

Narcotine, 32. 

Nettle Rush, 24. 

Neurotics, 29, 30. 

Cerebral, 30. 

Cerebro-Spinal, 30. 

Spinal, 30. 

Nicotiana Tabacum, 179, 363. 
Nicotine, 29, 32, 38. 179, 220, 253, 
255, 257, 258, 260, 363. 
Nitrate of Ethyl, 91. 

Potassium, 91. 

Sodium, 91. 

Nitrates, 198. 

Nitrites, 91. 

Nitrobenzene, 17, 32, 38, 41, 179, 
253, 254. 

Nitrobenzol, 29, 177, 289. 

Nitrogen Monoxide, 149. 
Nitroglycerine, 17, 250. 

Nitrous Acid Fumes, 149. 

Oxide, 38, 92, 149, 182, 248. 
Numbness of Lips or Tongue, 259. 
Nux Vomica, 29, 182, 240, 250, 
289, 324, 358. 


o 

Occupation Poisons, 356. 
Oedema, 257. 

Oil, Curcas, 256. 

Fusel, 83, 149. 

Mineral, 191. 

Olive, 47. 

Turpentine, 222. 


INDEX. 


441 


Oils and Fats, 49. 

Ethereal, Volatile, 228, 256. 
Opiomania, 380. 

Oleandrin, 139. 

Opium, 23, 24, 29, 39, 56, 185, 
230, 241, 250, 253, 256, 257, 
258, 287, 359, 380. 

Opium and Morphine, 290, 380. 

the Habit, 380. 

Orange Juice, 88, 114. 

Organs, Anatomical Changes of, 
38. 

Ouabain, 216. 

Oxalates, 39, 57. 

Oxaluria, 39. 

Oxamid, 260. 

Oxide, Nitrous, 38, 92, 149, 182, 
248. 

Oxy Acids, 39, 


P 

Pain, 24. 

Palsy, Shaking, 378. 

Papaver, Somniferum, 241, 239, 

250. 

Paraffin, 191. 

Paraldehyde, 190, 253, 388. 

Poisoning, Chronic, 388. 
Paralysis, 257. 

Paralyzants, 29. 

Paregoric, 250. 

Parsnip, 130. 

Paris Green, 97, 191, 248, 255. 
Peach Kernels, 70, 191. 
Pennyroyal, 256. 

Pental, 253. 

Perforations, 27. 

Peroxide of Hydrogen, 38. 
Perspiration, Profuse, 257. 

Petrol, 191. 

Petrolatum, 225. 

Petroleum, 191. 

Phallin, 144, 255, 259. 

Phenacetin, 17, 29, 37, 61, 193, 
239, 244, 247. 

Phenol, 29, 63. 193, 273. 

Phenols, 63. 

Phenomena, Nervous Complex. 39. 
Phloridcin, 260. 

Phosphine, 149. 

Phosphorus, 17, 29, 32, 38, 39, 41, 
54, 56, 193, 250, 253, 255, 

256, 259, 359, 389. 

Phrynine, 38. 

Physic Nut, 89. 

Physostigma, 29, 110, 233, 256, 

257, 258. 

Venenosum, 233. 

Physostigmine, 32, 41, 56, 110. 
Phytolacca, 196. 

Decandra, 240. 

Picric Acid, 32, 38. 

Picrotoxin, 29, 42, 127, 197, 254. 
Pigeon Berry, 190. 

Pilocarpine, 32, 41, 166, 197, 255, 
257, 258, 260 
Pilocarpus, 166. 


Pinkroot, 29, 197, 215. 

Plan of Analysis, 298, 300. 

Plant Susceptibility, 23. 

Plants, Poisonous, Key to, 230, 

244 

Plumbism, 378. 

Plumbum, 288. 

Poison, 11. 

Absorbed, 16, 19, 21. 
Ante-Mortem Introduction of, 

26, 27. Arrow, 96. 

Corrosive, 30, 31, 255, 260. 
Erecper, 203. 

Decomposition of, 26. 

Define Cumulative, 12. 

Deposited, 19, 

Deposition of, 19. 

Elimination of, 26. 

Fatal Dose of, 43. 

Indian Arrow, 136. 

Intense Action of, 21. 

In Urine, 19. 

Irritant, 22. 

Ivy, 203. 

Key to, 230, 247, 364 . 

Key to, Post-Mortem, 364. 

Legal Definition of, 12, 13. 
Non-Selective, 19. 

Oak, 197, 203 . 

Outline, Search Procedure, 297. 
Occupation, Poisons, 366. 
Oxidation of, 26. 

Physical Properties of, 25. 
Post-Morten Introduction of, 26. 
Evidence 235. 

Post-Mortem, Key to, 364. 
Re-absorbed, 19. 

Removal of, 18, 19. 

Solubility of, 17. 

Sumach, 197, 203. 

True, 12. 

Unabsorbed, 19. 

Vine, 197, 203. 

Poisoning, Acute, 14. 

Alcoholic, Chronic, 370. 

Arsenic, 255. 

Auto, 39. 

Chronic, 369. 

Death by, 20. 

Evidence of, 30. 

Fatalities, 419. Feeding in, 338a. 
Laudanum, 56. 

Motives for, 24. 

Paraldehyde, Chronic, 388. 
Phosphorus, Chronic,, 389. 
Post-Mortem, 25. 

Post-Mortem, Appearance in, 

27, 345. 

Prompt Treatment for, 44. 
Ptomain, 145, 146, 199, 260. 
Observations in, 261. 

Relation to Disease, 261-272. 
Sausage, 43. 

Simulation of, 261-272. 

Suspicious Symptoms of, 253, 
331, 345. 

Symptom, Indications, 253, 
Poisonous Cheese, 143. 

Gases, 18, 


442 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Vapors, 18. 

Fish, 144. 

Food, 24, 26, 29, 32, 39, 144, 
249. 

Insect Powder, 97. 

Plants, 231, 242 . 

Plants, Key to, 224. 

Principles, Destruction of, 25. 
Principles, Neutralized, 26. 
Poisons Affecting Nervous Sys¬ 
tem, 39. 

Action of, 261, 272. 

Animal, Insect, 29, 32, 43, 94. 
Antagonistic Action of, 22. 
Blood, 38. 

Brain and Heart, 338. 

Causing Immediate Death, 39, 
^ 260. 

Change in, 16. 

Circulation of, 20, 243, 244. 
Classification of 28, 29, 32, 38, 
39, 40, 41, 42, 43. 

(Blyth), 40, 41. 

(Robert), 38, 39. 

(Tanner), 28, 33. 

Combining, 22, 23. 

Corrosive, 255. 

Effect of, 15, 20, 21, 329, 330. 
Effects Modified by, 21. 
Elimination of, 261, 272. 

Food, 24, 26, 29, 32, 39. 

Formed in Dead Animal Mat¬ 
ters, 43. 

Gaseous, 149, 249. 

In Warfare, 150. 

Heart, 38, 338. 

Identification of, 273. 

Injected, 18. 

Inorganic, 32, 43. 

Irritant, 39. 

Irritant and Narcotic, 39. 

Laws Relating to Sale of, 425. 
Metallic, 32. 

Mineral, 19, 20. 

Non-Corrosive, 32. 

Organic, 32, 305. 

Outline of Procedure in Search 
for, 297. Protein, 94. 

Sale of, 425. 

Secreted by the Living, 42. 
Suicides, 260. 

Specific Effects of, 20. 

Vegetable, 19, 94. 

Volatile, 32. 

Poke, 195; 230, 240. 

Berry, 196. 

Root, 29, 196, 197. 

Poppy, 185, 197, 241. 

Posology, 14. 

Post-Mortem Appearance in Poi¬ 
soning, 345. 

Examination, 27, 331-333. 

Key to Poison, 364. 

Poisoning, 26. 

Procedure, Guide to, 339, 341, 
345. 

Potash, 40, 248. 

Acid, Oxalate, 350. 

Chlorate of, 121, 198, 

Caustic. 87, 


Chromate of, 68. 

Cyanide of, 137. 

Potassa, 87, 276, 360. 

Potassium, 87, 197. 

Bicarbonate, 56, 166. 
Bichromate, 68* 255. 

Bromides, 106. 

Carbonate, 29, 32, 56, 

Chlorate, 17, 29, 198, 255, 260, 
361. 

Chromate, 68. 

Cyanide, 29, 137* 254, 361, 362, 
377. 

Ferrocyanide, 55. 

Hydroxide, 29, 32. 

Iodide, 19, 57, 89, 258. 

Nitrate, 29, 362. 

Nitrite, 91. 

Oxalate, 260. 

Permanganate, 55, 56. 

Powder, Insect, 97, 114, 162. 
Precipitate, Red or White, 174, 

Priapism, 257. 

Principals, Vegetable, Poisonous,42. 
Privy Emanations, 210. 

Protein Poisons, 94, 144. 

Prunus, Laurocerasus, 229. 

Ptomain Poisoning, 144, 199, 260. 
Ptomains, 26, 29, 32, 39, 43, 144, 
199, 254. 

Ptomatropines, 362. 

Ptyalism, 379. 

Pulsatilla, 80, 201. 

Pulse, 257. 

Pupils, 258. 

Purgatives, 21. 

Purging, 260. 

Putrefaction, 311. 

Putrid Meat, 199. 

Pyrogallol, 63, 260. 

Pulmotor, 61. 

Pyrethrum, 162. 


Q 

Quaker Buttons, 182. 

Quassia, 47. 

Quinine, 253, 256. 

Questions, for Self-Exam’n. 426. 
Q. V., 63. 


R 

Rabies, 204. 

Rat Paste, 97, 202. 

Poison, 193. 

Ratsbane, 182, 193. 

Redness, 27. 

Red Oxide of Mercury, 174. 

Red Precipitate, 174. 

Resorcin, 202. 

Respirations at Various Ages, 418. 
Respiratory Murmur, 311. 
Rhigolene, 191. 

Rhus, 191, 203, 2 4 1. 

Radicans, 203, 241, 


INDEX. 


443 


Toxicodendron, 203. 

Venenata, 203. 

Ricine, 38. 

Ricinin, 118. 

Ricinus Communis, 118. 

Rigor Mortis, 312. 

Rock Oil, 191. 

Rough on Rats, 97, 202, 248. * 

Rue, 256. 

Rum, 84. 

Respiration Artificial, 63. 

s 

Sabadilla, 226. 

Saffron, 127. 

Salicin, 32. 

Salicyhsm, 256. 

Saline, Solution (Salt), 57, 118. 
Saliva of Rabid Animals, 204. 
Salivation, 258, 379. 

Salol, 78. 

Salt Solution (normal), 57, 87, 118. 
Salt of Lemon, 75. 

Sorrel, 75. 

Salts, Ammonium, 40. 

Caustic, 38. 

Corrosive, Metallic, 255. 

, Lithium, 20. 

Neutral, Sodium, 40, 118. 
Potassium, 22, 40. 

Strychnine, 56. 

Sanguinaria, 205, 233. 

Canadensis, 233. 

Santonin, 32, 42. 207, 253, 259. 
Saponification, 311. 

Saponins, 38, 42. 

Saprol, 63. 

Saturnism, 254. 

Savine, 29, 38, 39, 208, 258 362. 
Scammony, 89. 

Scheele’s Green, 97, 210. 

Scilla, 139, 216. 

Scillitin, 139. 

Scillitoxin, 139. 

Scoparin, 139. 

Scoparius, 139, 210. 

Scopolamin, 104, 254, 257, 258. 
Secrecy in Poisoning, 24. 
Sedatives, 24. 

Self Examination, Questions for, 
426. 

Self Poisoning, 100. 

Senna, 48. Senses, Special, 260c. 
Sewer Gass, 24. I 49 , 210. 

Sex, 21. 

Shock, 20, 21. 

Siddhi, 113. 

Silver, 32, 39, 211, 256. 
Compounds, 250. 

Cyanide, 138, 362, 377. 

In Potassium Cyanide, 362. 
Nitrate, 211, 294, 363. 
Simulation of Poisoning, 261, 272. 
Skin, Dry, Moist, Yellow, 258. 
Sleep, 24. Snake Root, White, 143. 
Snake Bite, 213, 243, 244. 

Sneeze Weed, 215. 

Venom, 22, 32. 


Snow on the Mountain, 203. 

Soap, Castile, 49. 

Suds, 47. 

Soda, 29, 40, 248, 276, 360. 

Sodium, Bicarbonate, 56, 164. 
Carbonate, 29, 32, 56, 66, 196. 
Chloride, 47, 57. 

Hydroxide, 20, 32. 

Hyposulphite, 57. 

Nitrate, 255, 260. 

Nitrite, _ 17. 

Sulphate, 51, 55. 

Softening, 27. 

Solanine, 29. 32, 102, 255, 259. 
Solution, Fowler’s, 248. 

Solutions, 21. Somnos, 119. 
Spanish Flies, 114, 244. 

Spartein, 32, 139. 

Spigelia, 215. Spirit, Methylated, 178 
Spurge, 216. 

Spirit of Camphor, 111. 

Of Turpentine, 222. 

Spotted Hemlock, 127, 129. 

Squill, 139, 222 . 

Syrup of, 47. 

Compound, 48. 

Squirting ucCumber, 89. 

Stagger Weed, 215. 

Starch, 57. Stains, 420. 

Iodide of, 57, 184. 

State, Liquid, 21. 

Solid, 21. 

Stavesacre, 171. 

Stibin, 149. 

Stings, Bee, etc., 32, 162. 

Stomach, Condition of, 21, 97. 
Contents of, 21. 

Pump, 45. 

Tube, 45. 

Ulceration of, 27. 

Stramonium, 29, 39, 102, 230, 232. 
Strophanthin, 32, 139, 216. 
Strophanthus, 139, 216, 234, 242, 
248. 

Hispidus, 242. 

Strychnine, 23, 24, 29, 32, 38, 39, 

43, 182, 253, 254, 256, 289, 
358, 

Strychnos, Ignatia, 182. 

NuxVomica, 182, 240. 

Substances, Animal, Putrid, 39. 

Locally Irritating, Organic, 38. 
Suicides, Poisons of, 260. 

Sulphides, Investigation of, 307. 
Sulphonal, 216, 250, 253, 256, 257, 
259, 389. 

Poisoning Chronic, 389. 

Sulphur, Baths, 172. 

Dioxide, 38, 149. 

Sulphurous Oxide, 149. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 159 
Surface, Character of to Which 
Applied, 18. 

Susceptibility, 23, 24. 

Swamp Sumach, 203. 

Symptoms, Ante-Mortem, 27. 
Characteristic, 24 . 

Delayed, 254. 

Indications of, 2S3, 


444 


A MANUAL OF TOXICOLOGY. 


Objective, 24. 

Severe, 24. 

Subjective, 24. 

Suspicious, 331. 

Syncope, 315. 

T 

Table, Apportionate Dose, 394. 
Dose, 394, 411. 

Pulse, 418. 

For Making Per Cent. Sol., 423. 
Of Tests, Identification, 273. 
Tanacetum Vulgare, 219. 

Tansy, 29, 219. 

Tar, 256. 

Tartar Emetic, 48, 94, 219, 258, 
351. 

Taste, Foul, 258. 

Taxine 41. 

Teeth, Order of Eruption of, 421. 
Tellurium, Salts of, 253, 260. 

Test, Distinctive, 26. 

Husemann’s, 280. 

Tests for Poisons, Table of, 273. 
Tetanies, 35. 

Tetanus, 25. 

Spinal, 29. 

Bacillus, 254. 

Temperature, 260. 

Equivalents, 418. 

Tetronal, 218. 

Thebaine, 29, 254. 

Thorn, Applq, 102, 216, 258. 

Tin, 29, 32. 

Compounds, 219. 

Tobacco, 29, 39, 220, 241, 250, 
363. 

Indian, 173. 

Tolerance, 23, 24 
Toludin, 254- 
Tolulene, 260. 

Tongue, Numbness, 260. 

Tingling, 259. 

Toxalbumins, 22. 

Toxicology, 10. 

Pharmacological, 317, 328. 
Toxin, 26. 

Toxins, 32. 

Transfusion, 332. 

Treatment, Key to, 247. 

Tremors, Mercurial, 379. 

Trichina, 29, 146, 244. 

Spiralis, 242. 

Trichinosis, 260. 

Trional, 218, 250, 253, 260, 389. 

Poisoning, Chronic, 389. 

Truffles, 146. 

Turpentine, 19, 23, 222. 

Oil of, 58, 222, 260. 

Turpeth, Mineral, 47. 

Tyrotoxicon, 26, 294. 

u 

Unconsciousness, 333. 

Uraemia, 24, 39. 

Uranalysis, Key to, etc., 413, 414. 
Uranium Salts, 260- 


Urethane, 223. 

Urine, 260. 

Abormal Constituents of, 414 
Ulceration, 27. 

Causes of Odorous, 330. 

Color Changes, 330. 

V 

Vanilla, 256. 

Vapors, 18, 38. 

Vaselin, 47, 225. 

Venous Coagulation, 311. 
Veratrine, 23, 32, 226, 256. 
Veratrum, 226, 242, 250. 

Album, 226, 242. 

Viride, 29, 226, 242. 

Verdigis, 132. 

Vermin Killers, 228. 

Vinegar, 63, 147. 

Virus of Rabid Animals, 254. 
Visions, 256. 

Double, 260. 

Vitriol, Blue, 132. 

White, 228. 

Voice, Loss of, 260. 

Vomiting, 25, 260. 
and Purging, 260. 

Without Diarrhoea 260. 

Volatile Oils, 228. 

w 

Water, 59. 

Gass, 161. 

Javelle, 51, 121. 

Tepid, 47 . 

Weed, Jamestown, 216. 

Weight, Apothecaries’, 416. 
Avoirdupois, 416. 
of Water, 416. 

and Measures of Viscera, 343. 
Wells, Mines and Pits, 116. 
Wheaten Flour, 57. 

White Precipitate, 174, 228. 

Vitriol, 228. 

Whisky, 84. 

Wines, 82. 

Wolfsbane, 80. 

Wood Alcohol, 86, 253. 

Spirit, 86. 

Woorara, 136, 228. 

Wormwood, 390. 

Wounds, Poisonous, 228. 

Wrist Drop, 378. 

Y 

Yellow Jasmine, 156. 

Yew, 39. 


z 

Zinc, 29, 32, 39, 294, 363. 
Chloride, 229, 363. 

Compounds, 228, 229, 250. 
and Chromium, Search for, 308. 
Sulphate, 47. 228, 363. 

Ziratol, 63. 

Zygademus, 228. 















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